SRAX, Inc. - Annual Report: 2021 (Form 10-K)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

(Mark One)

For the fiscal year ended DECEMBER 31, 2021

or

For the transition period from _______________ to _______________

Commission file number: 001-37916

SRAX, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

2629 Townsgate Road #215,

Westlake Village, CA 91361

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (323) 694-9800

Securities registered under Section 12(b) of the Act:

Securities registered under Section 12(g) of the Act:

None

(Title of class)

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. ☐ Yes ☒ No

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. ☐ Yes ☒ No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. ☐ Yes ☒ No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). ☐ Yes ☒ No

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). ☐ Yes ☒ No

State the aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates computed by reference to the price at which the common equity was sold, or the average bid and asked prices of such common equity, as of the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter. $121,972,024 based on the closing price of $5.44 on June 30, 2021.

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date. 26,315,178 shares of Class A common stock are outstanding as of October 10, 2022.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

None.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I

We urge you to read this entire Annual Report on Form 10-K, including the “Risk Factors” section, the financial statements and the related notes included therein. As used in this Annual Report, unless context otherwise requires, the words “we,” “us,” “our,” “the Company,” “SRAX,” “Registrant” refer to SRAX, Inc. and its subsidiaries. Additionally, and reference to “LD Micro” refers to the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary, LD Micro, Inc. and the assets used in its operations. Any reference to “BIGToken” and “BIGToken, Inc.”, or the “BIGToken Project” refer to the Company’s previously wholly owned subsidiary, BIGToken, Inc. and the assets used in its operations. BIGToken was divested pursuant to a share exchange agreement that closed on February 4, 2021.

Any reference to “common share” or “common stock,” refers to our $0.001 par value Class A common stock. Any reference to our Series A Preferred Stock refers to our $0.001 par value Series A Non-Voting Preferred Stock.

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

The statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K that are not purely historical are considered to be “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: any projections of revenues, earnings, or other financial items; any statements of the strategies, plans and objectives of management for future operations; any statements concerning proposed new products or developments; any statements regarding future economic conditions or performance; any statements of belief; and any statements of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. Forward-looking statements may include the words “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “intend,” “continue,” “believe,” “expect” or “anticipate” and any other similar words. These statements represent our expectations, beliefs, anticipations, commitments, intentions, and strategies regarding the future and include, but are not limited to, the risks and uncertainties outlined in Item 1.A Risk Factors and Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and those discussed in other documents we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Readers are cautioned that actual results could differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations that are expressed in forward-looking statements within this report. The forward-looking statements included in this report speak only as of the date hereof, and we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Given these risks and uncertainties, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements.

Overview

We are a technology firm focused on enhancing communications between public companies and their shareholders and investors. We currently have two distinct business units:

We derive our revenues from the:

Sequire

The Sequire platform is a central hub where companies can manage certain administrative functions, reach out and engage with shareholders as well as identify potential new investors. The platform utilizes machine learning and advanced analytics to bring our clients actionable information that we believe can be used to maximize ROI through better investor and stockholder communications. Clients then can engage with targeted shareholder groups across marketing channels including email, social media, programmatic, and hyperlocal.

When interpreting data, clients can see gains and losses over time, buying/selling trends, total outstanding shares, new shareholders, and shareholders broken out by percentage. Based on this data, we can assist our users in developing customized communications campaign utilizing targeted ads and messaging.

Among other features, the Sequire platform provides its users tools to monitor investor sentiment and activities and simplify back office administration such as:

Data Targeting

We help our clients build an investor base through targeted advertising and marketing campaigns, tailored to their needs. Using data-driven insights, we help clients meet their unique marketing objectives, whether they’re messaging existing investors, new investors, or consumers.

Website Disclosing the Value of our Securities Portfolio

Pursuant to the terms of the transaction documents in our Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility entered into on August 8, 2022, we are required to disseminate more current information regarding our portfolio of securities that we receive from customers. Accordingly, we have elected to disseminate such required information via a website at https://srax.com/stock-portfolio (the “Portfolio Website”). The most current information about the portfolio of securities will be available on the Portfolio Website, which will be updated daily. Additionally, the Portfolio Website describes or details the value of such portfolio of securities separately that are currently restricted or unrestricted. The Portfolio Website additionally outlines the dollar value of securities that have been sold in a given quarter.

Individuals accessing the Portfolio Website are cautioned that the value of securities contained on the Portfolio Website are calculated by multiplying the quoted price of each security on its applicable exchange or interdealer quotation system, by the quantity owned. This method does not take into account any adjustment of value based on liquidity, the potential lack of an active market, excessive bid-ask spread, and other inputs used generally for valuing securities under the generally accepted principles of accounting (GAAP), the financial accounting standards board (FASB) and U.S. securities laws. Accordingly, the dollar values contained on the Portfolio Website may not be indicative of the fair value of the securities that we own, and the value for which we may be able to sell such securities could be materially and substantially less than that presented on the Portfolio Website. Additionally, the value of the securities contained on the Portfolio Website may be materially different from the value ascribed to such securities in our periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Further, as a result of the potential holding periods of such securities and other restrictions on transferability or sale, we may, with respect to any specific security, (i) realize substantially less value upon the sale of such security or (ii) realize no value at all. Additionally, any disclosure with regard to the ability to sell as a result of such securities being unrestricted is subject to change and is highly dependent on facts that may change and that we have no control over. Any projections of sales for any future quarter or other time period are forward looking and speculative and you should not place any reliance on such projections. In addition, the values of securities listed on the Portfolio Website do not take into account any embedded features that may result in the adjustment of any conversion prices or issuance of additional shares. You are further cautioned not to rely on the values listed on the Portfolio Website for purposes of determining the fair value of our portfolio of securities.

Our team of experts takes a deep dive into each company, building out unique messaging to suit their target investors. Once media campaigns are built, they are run through the Sequire platform across multiple target segments. We then track performance and modify the campaign for the best possible results. Our clients have needs to target particular sectors and exchanges, and the value we deliver lies in the hyper-specific investor insights necessary for that kind of focused outreach.

We are maximizing the efficacy of our media campaigns by providing our clients with custom-built landing pages that are crafted to educate, engage, and convert new investors. When a new investor clicks through an ad, they will land on a story-driven page with data-tracking software embedded to collect analytics for later use.

Virtual Events and LD Micro

LD Micro is the premier event platform for micro-cap and small cap companies. In September of 2020, we acquired LD Micro, and hosted the 2020 Main Event on our Sequire Virtual Events platform. The 2021 Main Event had over 3,000 attendees and hosted webinars with over 500 companies. We are currently planning to expand the number and subject matter of our conferences and events. Through the events platform, we have the ability to host a variety of virtual events and conferences including investor conferences, earnings calls, shareholder meetings, annual, investor/analyst days, corporate town halls, roadshows, and more. We believe that our ability to offer users a seamless, centrally managed virtual events solution that can be customized to any industry will help transform our platform into the premier investor event tool.

Marketing and sales

We market our services through our in-house sales and marketing team. Our team focuses on social media, including Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter, public relations (PR), industry events and the creation of white papers which assist in our marketing efforts and are used as lead generation tools.

Intellectual property

We currently rely on a combination of patents, trade secret laws and restrictions on disclosure to protect our intellectual property rights. Our success depends on the protection of the proprietary aspects of our technology as well as our ability to operate without infringing on the proprietary rights of others. We also enter into proprietary information and confidentiality agreements with our employees, consultants and commercial partners and control access to, and distribution of, our software documentation and other proprietary information. We currently have eight (8) US patent applications filed.

Government regulation

We are subject to a variety of laws and regulations in the United States that involve matters central to our business. Many of these laws and regulations are still evolving and being tested in courts and could be interpreted in ways that could harm our business. We are also subject to many of the laws that cover the securities industry and are regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission.

These laws may involve privacy, data protection and personal information, rights of publicity, content, intellectual property, advertising, marketing, distribution, data security, data retention and deletion, electronic contracts and other communications, competition, protection of minors, consumer protection, product liability, taxation, economic or other trade prohibitions or sanctions, anti-corruption law compliance, securities law compliance, and online payment services. In particular, we are subject to federal, state, and foreign laws regarding privacy and protection of people’s data. Foreign data protection, privacy, content, competition, and other laws and regulations can impose different obligations or be more restrictive than those in the United States. U.S. federal and state and foreign laws and regulations, which in some cases can be enforced by private parties in addition to government entities, are constantly evolving and can be subject to significant change. As a result, the application, interpretation, and enforcement of these laws and regulations are often uncertain, particularly in the new and rapidly evolving industry in which we operate and may be interpreted and applied inconsistently from country to country and inconsistently with our current policies and practices.

Proposed or new legislation and regulations could also significantly affect our business. For example, the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) took effect in May 2018 and applies to all of our products and services used by people in Europe. The GDPR includes operational requirements for companies that receive or process personal data of residents of the European Union that are different from those previously in place in the European Union and includes significant penalties for non-compliance. The California Consumer Privacy Act, which took effect in January 2020, also establishes certain transparency rules and creates new data privacy rights for users. Similarly, there are a number of legislative proposals in the European Union, the United States, at both the federal and state level, as well as other jurisdictions that could impose new obligations or limitations in areas affecting our business, such as liability for copyright infringement. In addition, some countries are considering or have passed legislation implementing data protection requirements or requiring local storage and processing of data or similar requirements that could increase the cost and complexity of delivering our services.

We may become the subject of investigations, inquiries, data requests, requests for information, actions, and audits by government authorities and regulators in the United States, Europe, and around the world, particularly in the areas of privacy, data protection, law enforcement, consumer protection, and competition, as we continue to grow and expand our operations. We are currently, and may in the future be, subject to regulatory orders or consent decrees, including the modified consent order we entered into in July 2019 with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) which is pending federal court approval and which, among other matters, will require us to implement a comprehensive expansion of our privacy program. Orders issued by, or inquiries or enforcement actions initiated by, government or regulatory authorities could cause us to incur substantial costs, expose us to unanticipated civil and criminal liability or penalties (including substantial monetary remedies), interrupt or require us to change our business practices in a manner materially adverse to our business, divert resources and the attention of management from our business, or subject us to other remedies that adversely affect our business.

Employees and Human Capital Resources

As of August 31, 2022, we had 10 full-time employees. Of these employees, 5 are engaged in executive management, 68 in information technology including those participating in our research and development efforts, 17 in sales and marketing, 28 in integration and customer support and 12 in administration. All employees are employed “at will.” We believe our relations with our employees are generally positive and we have no collective bargaining agreements with any labor unions.

Our human capital resources objectives include, as applicable, identifying, recruiting, retaining, incentivizing and integrating our existing and new employees. The principal purposes of our equity and cash incentive plans are to attract, retain and reward personnel, whether existing employees or new hires, through the granting of stock-based and cash-based compensation awards. We believe that this increases value to our stockholders and the success of our company by motivating such individuals to perform to the best of their abilities and achieve our objectives.

We provide our employees and their families with access to health and wellness programs, including benefits that provide protection and security concerning events that may require time away from work or that impact their financial well-being; and that offer choices where possible so employees can customize their benefits to meet their needs. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we implemented significant changes that we determined were in the best interest of our employees, as well as the community in which we operate, and which comply with government regulations, including working in a remote environment where appropriate or required. As of the date of this Annual Report, all of our employees are currently working remotely.

Our history

We were originally organized in August 2009 as a California limited liability company under the name Social Reality, LLC, and we converted to a Delaware corporation effective January 1, 2012. Social Reality, LLC began business in May 2010. Upon the conversion, we changed our name to Social Reality, Inc. On August 15, 2019, we formally changed our Name to SRAX, Inc. In September of 2020, we acquired LD Micro as a wholly owned subsidiary. In February of 2021 we completed the divestiture of our BIGToken subsidiary and the related platform.

Additional information

We file annual and quarterly reports on Forms 10-K and 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC” or the “Commission”). The public may read and copy any materials that we file with the Commission at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549, on official business days during the hours of 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. You may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the Commission at 1-800-SEC-0330. The Commission also maintains an Internet site at http://www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the Commission.

Other information about SRAX can be found on our website www.srax.com. Reference in this document to that website address does not constitute incorporation by reference of the information contained on the website.

Please consider the following risk factors carefully. If any one or more of the following risks were to occur, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations, and the market price of our securities could decrease significantly. Statements below to the effect that an event could or would harm our business (or have an adverse effect on our business or similar statements) mean that the event could or would have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations, which in turn could or would have a material adverse effect on the market price of our securities. Although we have organized the risk factors below under headings to make them easier to read, many of the risks we face involve more than one type of risk. Consequently, you should read all of the risk factors below carefully before making any decision to acquire or hold our securities.

Risks Related to our Business

We have a history of operating losses and there are no assurances we will report profitable operations in the foreseeable future.

For the years-ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, we reported income/(loss) from operations of $(85,000) and ($7,032,000), respectively, and accumulated deficit of ($30,355,000) and ($50,342,000), respectively. Our future success depends on our ability to continue to grow our revenues, contain our operating expenses and generate profits. We do not have any long-term agreements with our customers. There are no assurances that we will be able to increase our revenues and cash flow to a level which supports profitable operations. We may continue to incur losses in future periods until such time, if ever, as we are successful in significantly increasing our revenues and cash flow beyond what is necessary to fund our ongoing operations and pay our obligations as they become due. If we significantly increase our revenues in future periods, the rapid growth may strain our organization and we may encounter difficulties in maintaining the quality of our operations. If we are not able to successfully increase our revenues, it is unlikely we will be able to generate sufficient cash from operations to pay our operating expenses and service our debt obligations or report profitable operations in future periods.

Our auditors have expressed substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern.

Our auditors’ report on our December 31, 2021 consolidated financial statements expresses an opinion that our capital resources as of the date of their audit report were not sufficient to sustain operations or complete our planned activities for the upcoming year unless we raised additional funds. Based upon our cash position on December 31, 2021, there is substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern past the first quarter of 2023. Our ability to continue as a going concern is based on several factors; (i) our ability to sustain our current operating performance, and (ii) our ability to raise additional capital. If we are not successful with either of these, we may no longer be able to continue as a going concern and may cease operation or seek bankruptcy protection.

We may need to raise additional capital to pay our indebtedness as it comes due.

In June 2020, we entered into a securities purchase agreement with institutional investors for the issuance of approximately $16.1 million in principal of debentures, of which $1,267,000 remains outstanding as of December 31, 2021. In July 2022, we amended certain terms of the debentures whereby in exchange for an additional five percent (5%) to be added onto the outstanding principal, we extended the maturity dates by six (6) months or until December 31, 2023 as well as extended the date we are required to begin making amortization payments until January 1, 2023. In addition, the holders of the debentures have the unilateral right to extend the maturity date and amortization payments by another six (6) months each in exchange for another additional five percent (5%) to be added to the principal of the debentures. On July 1, 2022, we entered into an original issue discount bridge loan with a principal amount of $650,000 in exchange for $500,000 in cash. On August 8, 2022, the bridge loan was exchanged for revolving notes in the senior secured revolving credit facility whereby we received $4,930,000 cash on the first draw down. Of the amount received, we paid off approximately $3.75 million of outstanding obligations. The payment of the debentures and revolving credit facility are secured by substantially all the assets and the intellectual property of the Company. Further, in addition to payments required pursuant the revolving credit facility, the lender is also entitled to ten percent (10%) of the net proceeds of any sales of securities acquired from our customers during the term of the loan. As a result, this will further negatively impact our cash flows from operations and may require us to raise additional capital earlier than previously anticipated. Depending on our level of operations, we may not be able to generate sufficient cash flow to repay the debentures or revolving credit facility as they come due. If we are not able to generate enough cashflow through the operation of our business, we will need to raise additional capital through the sale of debt or equity or the sale of assets, in order to make the required payments. If we are unable to make the required payments, or if we fail to comply with the various requirements and covenants of the debentures and revolving credit facility, we would be in default, which would permit the holders of the debentures and lender in the revolving credit facility to accelerate the maturity and require immediate repayment and lead to potential foreclosure on the assets securing the debt. If we are unable to refinance or repay our indebtedness as it becomes due, including upon an event of default, we may become insolvent and be unable to continue operations.

Our outstanding loan obligations contain substantial covenants that may impact our business, our ability to secure additional debt financing, and our ability to pay our debts as they become due.

As of August 31, 2022, we have approximately (i) $1.1 million outstanding of our secured convertible debentures issued in June 2020 that are due and payable on December 31, 2023 and (ii) $5,580,000 of revolving notes outstanding pursuant to our senior secured revolving credit facility. Each of the debentures and revolving notes / credit facility contain a number of affirmative and negative covenants, including, but not limited to: reporting requirements, certain financial covenants related to our stock portfolio, collateral limitations, certain limitations on liens and indebtedness, dispositions, mergers and acquisitions, restricted payments and investments, corporate changes and limitations on waivers and amendments to certain agreements, our organizational documents, etc. Our failure to comply with the covenants in the credit agreement governing the credit facility and the debentures and associated transaction documents could result in an event of default that, if not cured or waived, could result in the acceleration of all or a substantial portion of our debt and potential foreclosure on the assets pledged to secure the debt.

Further, we agreed to pay the lender in the credit facility, an amount equal to ten percent (10%) of the net proceeds actually received by us from the sale any securities of a customer that we acquired during the term of the revolving note(s). Given that we have not yet achieved profitability, and we will additionally be required to make payments upon the sales of our customer’s securities to the lender, we may be unable to continue to meet our obligations as they become due.  If we are unable to refinance or repay our indebtedness as it becomes due or upon an event of default, we may become insolvent and be unable to continue operations.

Additionally, the revolving loan obligations under our secured credit facility provide for variable repayment terms ranging from 10% to 30% of the net proceeds actually received upon the sale of our customer’s securities that we receive pursuant to the provision of services. This will further negatively impact our cash flows and may further accelerate the anticipated timeframe in which we need to raise additional capital.

Our failure to maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting, has resulted in the need for us to restate previously issued financial statements. As a result, current and potential stockholders may lose confidence in our financial reporting, which could harm our business and value of our stock.

Or management has determined that, as of December 31, 2021, we did not maintain effective internal controls over financial reporting based on criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control-Integrated Framework as a result of identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting. A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the company’s annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.

Natural disasters, epidemic or pandemic disease outbreaks, trade wars, political unrest or other events could disrupt our business or operations or those of our development partners, manufacturers, regulators or other third parties with whom we conduct business now or in the future.

A wide variety of events beyond our control, including natural disasters, epidemic or pandemic disease outbreaks (such as the recent novel coronavirus outbreak), trade wars, political unrest or other events could disrupt our business or operations or those of our manufacturers, regulatory authorities, or other third parties with whom we conduct business. These events may cause businesses and government agencies to be shut down, supply chains to be interrupted, slowed, or rendered inoperable, and individuals to become ill, quarantined, or otherwise unable to work and/or travel due to health reasons or governmental restrictions. These limitations could negatively affect our business operations and continuity, and could negatively impact ability to timely perform basic business functions, including making SEC filings and preparing financial reports. If our operations or those of third parties with whom we have business are impaired or curtailed as a result of these events, the development and commercialization of our products and product candidates could be impaired or halted, which could have a material adverse impact on our business.

A pandemic, epidemic or outbreak of an infectious disease in the markets in which we operate or that otherwise impacts our facilities or advisors could adversely impact our business.

If a pandemic, epidemic, or outbreak of an infectious disease including the recent outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a novel coronavirus (COVID-19) or other public health crisis were to affect our operations, facilities or those of our customers or suppliers, our business could be adversely affected. A pandemic typically results in social distancing, travel bans and quarantine, and this may limit access to our facilities, customers, management, support staff and professional advisors. These factors, in turn, may not only materially impact our operations, financial condition and demand for our services but our overall ability to react timely to mitigate the impact of this event. Also, it may hamper our efforts to comply with our filing obligations with the Commission

Regulatory, legislative or self-regulatory developments regarding internet privacy matters could adversely affect our ability to conduct our business.

The United States and foreign governments have enacted, considered or are considering legislation or regulations that could significantly restrict our ability to collect, process, use, transfer and pool data collected from and about consumers and devices. Trade associations and industry self-regulatory groups have also promulgated best practices and other industry standards relating to targeted advertising. Various U.S. and foreign governments, self-regulatory bodies and public advocacy groups have called for new regulations specifically directed at the digital advertising industry, and we expect to see an increase in legislation, regulation and self-regulation in this area. The legal, regulatory and judicial environment we face around privacy and other matters is constantly evolving and can be subject to significant change. Additionally, the interpretation and application of data protection laws in the U.S., Europe and elsewhere are often uncertain and in flux. Legislative and regulatory authorities around the world may decide to enact additional legislation or regulations, which could reduce the amount of data we can collect or process and, as a result, significantly impact our business. Similarly, clarifications of and changes to these existing and proposed laws, regulations, judicial interpretations and industry standards can be costly to comply with, and we may be unable to pass along those costs to our clients in the form of increased fees, which may negatively affect our operating results. Such changes can also delay or impede the development of new solutions, result in negative publicity and reputational harm, require significant incremental management time and attention, increase our risk of non-compliance and subject us to claims or other remedies, including fines or demands that we modify or cease existing business practices, including our ability to charge per click or the scope of clicks for which we charge. Additionally, any perception of our practices or solutions as an invasion of privacy, whether or not such practices or solutions are consistent with current or future regulations and industry practices, may subject us to public criticism, private class actions, reputational harm or claims by regulators, which could disrupt our business and expose us to increased liability. Finally, our legal and financial exposure often depends in part on our clients’ or other third parties’ adherence to privacy laws and regulations and their use of our services in ways consistent with visitors’ expectations. We rely on representations made to us by clients that they will comply with all applicable laws, including all relevant privacy and data protection regulations. We make reasonable efforts to enforce such representations and contractual requirements, but we do not fully audit our clients’ compliance with our recommended disclosures or their adherence to privacy laws and regulations. If our clients fail to adhere to our contracts in this regard, or a court or governmental agency determines that we have not adequately, accurately or completely described our own solutions, services and data collection, use and sharing practices in our own disclosures to consumers, then we and our clients may be subject to potentially adverse publicity, damages and related possible investigation or other regulatory activity in connection with our privacy practices or those of our clients.

Unfavorable media coverage could negatively affect our business.

Unfavorable publicity regarding, for example, our privacy practices, terms of service, regulatory activity, the actions of third parties, the use of our products or services for illicit, objectionable, or illegal ends or the actions of other companies that provide similar services to us, could adversely affect our reputation. Such negative publicity also could have an adverse effect on the size, engagement, and loyalty of our customer base which could adversely affect our business and financial results.

Our business is subject to complex and evolving U.S. and foreign laws and regulations regarding privacy, data protection, content, competition, consumer protection, and other matters. Many of these laws and regulations are subject to change and uncertain interpretation, and could result in claims, changes to our business practices, monetary penalties, increased cost of operations, or declines in user growth or engagement, or otherwise harm our business.

We are subject to a variety of laws and regulations in the United States and abroad that involve matters central to our business, such as privacy, data protection and personal information, rights of publicity, content, intellectual property, advertising, marketing, distribution, data security, data retention and deletion, electronic contracts and other communications, competition, protection of minors, consumer protection, taxation and securities law compliance. Expansion of our activities in certain jurisdictions, or other actions that we may take, may subject us to additional laws, regulations, or other government scrutiny. In addition, foreign data protection, privacy, content, competition, and other laws and regulations can impose different obligations or be more restrictive than those in the United States.

Additionally, as we expand our product offerings, we may become subject to the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), effective as of May 2018. The GDPR increases privacy rights for individuals in Europe, extends the scope of responsibilities for data controllers and data processors and imposes increased requirements and potential penalties on companies offering goods or services to individuals who are located in Europe or monitoring the behavior of such individuals (including by companies based outside of Europe). Noncompliance can result in penalties of up to the greater of €20 million, or 4% of global company revenues.

These U.S. federal and state and foreign laws and regulations, which in some cases can be enforced by private parties in addition to government authorities, are constantly evolving and can be subject to significant change. As a result, the application, interpretation, and enforcement of these laws and regulations are often uncertain, particularly in the newer industry in which we operate, and may be interpreted and applied inconsistently from country to country and inconsistently with our current policies and practices.

These laws and regulations, as well as any associated inquiries or investigations or any other government actions, may be costly to comply with and may delay or impede our international growth, result in negative publicity, increase our operating costs, require significant management time and attention, and subject us to remedies that may harm our business.

Security breaches and improper access to or disclosure of our data or user data, or other hacking and phishing attacks on our systems, could harm our reputation and adversely affect our business.

Our industry is prone to cyber-attacks by third parties seeking unauthorized access to our data or users’ data or to disrupt our ability to provide service. Any failure to prevent or mitigate security breaches and improper access to or disclosure of our data or user data, including personal information, content, or payment information from or to users, or information from marketers, could result in the loss or misuse of such data, which could harm our business and reputation and diminish our competitive position. In addition, computer malware, viruses, social engineering (predominantly spear phishing attacks), and general hacking have become more prevalent in our industry. As a result of recent attention and growth of, the size of our user base, and the types and volume of personal data on our systems, we believe that we are a particularly attractive target for such breaches and attacks. Our efforts to address undesirable activity may also increase the risk of retaliatory attacks. Such attacks may cause interruptions to the services we provide, degrade the user experience, cause users or marketers to lose confidence and trust in our products, impair our internal systems, or result in financial harm to us. Our efforts to protect our company data or the information we receive may also be unsuccessful due to software bugs or other technical malfunctions; employee, contractor, or vendor error or malfeasance; government surveillance; or other threats that evolve. In addition, third parties may attempt to fraudulently induce employees or users to disclose information in order to gain access to our data or our users’ data. Cyber-attacks continue to evolve in sophistication and volume, and inherently may be difficult to detect for long periods of time. Although we are currently in the process of developing systems and processes that are designed to protect our data and user data, to prevent data loss and to prevent or detect security breaches, we cannot assure you that such measures will ultimately become operational or provide absolute security, and we may incur significant costs in protecting against or remediating cyber-attacks.

Affected parties or government authorities could initiate legal or regulatory actions against us in connection with any actual or perceived security breaches or improper disclosure of data, which could cause us to incur significant expense and liability or result in orders or consent decrees forcing us to modify our business practices. Such incidents or our efforts to remediate such incidents may also result in a decline in our active user base or engagement levels. Any of these events could have a material and adverse effect on our business, reputation, or financial results.

If we were to lose or have limited access to certain platforms or data sources, we will lose our existing revenue from these platform and sources.

The loss of access to any platforms or data sources could limit our ability to effectively grow a portion of our operations. Our business would be harmed if these platforms:

We depend on the services of our executive officers and the loss of any of their services could harm our ability to operate our business in future periods.

Our success largely depends on the efforts and abilities of our executive officers, including Christopher Miglino, Michael Malone, and Christopher Lahiji, the president of our wholly owned subsidiary, LD Micro. We are a party to an employment agreement with each of Mr. Miglino, Mr. Malone and Mr. Lahiji. Although we do not expect to lose their services in the foreseeable future, the loss of any of them could materially harm our business and operations in future periods until such time as we were able to engage a suitable replacement.

Weak economic conditions may reduce consumer demand for products and services.

A weak economy in the United States could adversely affect demand for advertising products, and services. A substantial portion of our revenue is derived from businesses that are highly dependent on discretionary spending by individuals, which typically falls during times of economic instability. Accordingly, the ability of our advertisers to increase or maintain revenue and earnings could be adversely affected to the extent that relevant economic environments remain weak or decline further. We currently are unable to predict the extent of any of these potential adverse effects.

Certain of our business affiliates have operations outside of the United States that are subject to numerous operational risks.

Certain of our affiliates have operations in countries other than the United States. In many foreign countries, it is not uncommon to encounter business practices that are prohibited by certain regulations, such as the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and similar laws. Although certain of our business affiliates have undertaken compliance efforts with respect to these laws, their respective employees, contractors and agents, as well as those companies to which they outsource certain of their business operations, may take actions in violation of their policies and procedures. Any such violation, even if prohibited by the policies and procedures of these business affiliates or the law, could have certain adverse effects on the financial condition of these business affiliates. Any failure by these affiliates to effectively manage the challenges associated with the international operation of their businesses could materially adversely affect their, and hence our, financial condition.

In the event that we are unable to conduct business with certain third-party providers of data and information integral to our operations, our revenue and business prospects may suffer.

We rely on access to certain third-party providers of data in the investment sector in order for the Sequire platform to function and provide meaningful data and insights for our customers. We have benefited from the data that these third-parties have provided to us on behalf of their customers. In the event that we lose access to these third-party providers, it would limit our ability to effectively market the Sequire platform and sell our services to our customers. In the event that these third-party providers change their terms or our ability to access their data on a cost-effective basis to us, our business may be materially harmed.

Competitors may create products that compete with the Sequire platform and there can be no assurances that we will be able to protect our intellectual property related to Sequire.

The Sequire platform’s success depends heavily on our intellectual property and the continued development and innovation of the platform. Notwithstanding, there may be competitors seeking to compete by creating similar platforms with more aggressive pricing or lower cost structures, greater functionality, and by emulating the services provided by the Sequire platform. Furthermore, certain of the information that we implement in our Sequire platform is either publicly available or ascertained through third-party service providers for which no barrier to entry exists. Companies with significantly more resources than us may attempt to create competing products at lower prices. Furthermore, there can be no assurances that we are able to adequately defend our trade secrets or intellectual property rights with respect to competitors.

Our insurance coverage strategy may not be adequate to protect us from all business risks.

We may be subject, in the ordinary course of business, to losses resulting from accidents, acts of God and other claims against us, for which we may have no insurance coverage. As a general matter, we do not maintain as much insurance coverage as many other companies do, and in some cases, we do not maintain any at all. Additionally, the policies that we do have may include significant deductibles or self-insured retentions, policy limitations and exclusions, and we cannot be certain that our insurance coverage will be sufficient to cover all future losses or claims against us. A loss that is uninsured or which exceeds policy limits may require us to pay substantial amounts, which may harm our financial condition and operating results.

Risks Related to receipt of Securities for Services

Many of the securities we receive for services do not have an active trading market, and we value these securities at fair value as determined in good faith under procedures adopted by our Board of Directors, which valuation is inherently subjective and may not reflect what we may actually realize for the sale of these securities.

The majority of securities comprising our stock portfolio are, and are expected to continue to be, in securities that have a limited market, limited liquidity, high volatility, and accordingly, their market price may not accurately reflect the true value in the event that they were traded on an active market. As of December 31, 2021, we had unrealized losses from our stock portfolio of approximately $8.0 million. The fair value of assets whose true values are not readily ascertainable are determined in good faith under procedures adopted by our Board of Directors. Our Board of Directors utilizes the services of independent third-party valuation firms in determining the fair value of a portion of the securities we hold. Investment professionals from our investment adviser also prepare valuations using sources and/or proprietary models depending on the availability of information on our assets and the type of asset being valued, all in accordance with our valuation policy. Accordingly, the actual value of the securities we received could be substantially less than we previously estimated.

Because fair valuations, and particularly fair valuations of securities without efficient markets are inherently uncertain, may fluctuate over short periods of time, and are often based to a large extent on estimates, comparisons and qualitative evaluations of information, it may be more difficult for investors to value accurately our securities and could lead to undervaluation or overvaluation of our Common Stock. In addition, the valuation of these types of securities may result in substantial write-downs and earnings volatility.

The value ascribed to our assets in our financial statements as of a particular date may be materially greater than or less than the value that would be realized if our assets were to be liquidated as of such date. For example, if we were required to sell a certain asset or all or a substantial portion of our assets on a particular date, the actual price that we would realize upon the disposition of such asset or assets could be materially less than the value of such asset or assets as reflected in our financial statements. Volatile market conditions could also cause reduced liquidity in the market for certain assets, which could result in liquidation values that are materially less than the values of such assets as reflected in our financial statements.

We run the risk of inadvertently being deemed to be an investment company that is required to register under the Investment Company Act of 1940.

We run the risk of inadvertently being deemed to be an investment company that is required to register under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “Investment Company Act”) because a significant portion of our assets consists of securities in companies in which we own less than a majority interest. The risk varies depending on events beyond our control, such as significant appreciation or depreciation in the market value of certain of our publicly traded holdings, adverse developments with respect to our ownership of certain of our subsidiaries, and transactions involving the sale of certain assets. If we are deemed to be an inadvertent investment company, we may seek to rely on a safe-harbor under the Investment Company Act that would provide us a one-year grace period to take steps to avoid being deemed to be an investment company. In order to ensure we avoid being deemed an investment company, we have taken, and may need to continue to take, steps to reduce the percentage of our assets that constitute investment assets under the Investment Company Act. These steps have included, among others, selling marketable securities that we might otherwise hold for the long-term and deploying our cash in non-investment assets. We have recently sold marketable securities, including at times at a loss, and we may be forced to sell our investment assets at unattractive prices or to sell assets that we otherwise believe benefit our business in the future to remain below the requisite threshold. We may also seek to acquire additional non-investment assets to maintain compliance with the Investment Company Act, and we may need to incur debt, issue additional equity or enter into other financing arrangements that are not otherwise attractive to our business. Any of these actions could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. Moreover, we can make no assurance that we would successfully be able to take the necessary steps to avoid being deemed to be an investment company in accordance with the safe harbor. If we were unsuccessful, then we would have to register as an investment company, and we would be unable to operate our business in its current form. We would be subject to extensive, restrictive, and potentially adverse statutory provisions and regulations relating to, among other things, operating methods, management, capital structure, indebtedness, dividends, and transactions with affiliates. If we were deemed to be an investment company and did not register as an investment company when required to do so, there would be a risk, among other material adverse consequences, that we could become subject to monetary penalties or injunctive relief, or both, that we would be unable to enforce contracts with third parties, and/or that third parties could seek to obtain rescission of transactions with us undertaken during the period in which we were an unregistered investment company.

We are not, and do not intend to become, regulated as an investment company under the U.S. Investment Company Act of 1940 (and similar legislation in other jurisdictions) and if we are deemed an “investment company” under the U.S. Investment Company Act of 1940, applicable restrictions would make it impractical for us to operate as contemplated.

The Investment Company Act and the rules thereunder (and similar legislation in other jurisdictions) provide certain protections to investors and impose certain restrictions on companies that are registered as investment companies. Among other things, such rules limit or prohibit transactions with affiliates, impose limitations on the issuance of debt and equity securities and impose certain governance requirements. We have not been and do not intend to become regulated as an investment company and we intend to conduct our activities so that we will not be deemed to be an investment company under the Investment Company Act (and similar legislation in other jurisdictions). In order to ensure that we are not deemed to be an investment company, we may be required to materially restrict or limit the scope of our operations or plans related to Sequire, which may limit us in the types of acquisitions that we may make and we may need to modify our organizational structure or dispose of assets that we would not otherwise dispose of. Moreover, if anything were to happen which would potentially cause us to be deemed an investment company under the Investment Company Act, it would be impractical for us to operate as intended pursuant to the Sequire platform and our business, financial condition and results of operations would be materially adversely affected. Accordingly, we would be required to take extraordinary steps to address the situation, such as the modification and restructuring of our Sequire platform, which would materially adversely affect our ability to derive revenue.

Sequire’s services are primarily paid for in restricted shares of its customers’ stock, which are often smaller publicly traded companies with volatile stock prices, limited liquidity, riskier operations and whose securities are frequently quoted on the OTC Markets, which includes the OTCQX, OTCQB as well as the OTC Pink, which typically quotes securities with increased risk and less liquidity.

Payment related to our Sequire platform and services is often made through the equity securities of our customers instead of cash. Since larger companies typically pay in cash, the securities issued are often those of smaller public companies that often have limited operating histories, limited operating cash, and negative cash flows. Additionally, these securities are primarily restricted, and are subject to legal holding periods pursuant to Rule 144 or other applicable exemptions. As of December 31, 2021 approximately $11.4 million of our holdings are issued by companies whose securities trade on the OTC Markets Inc. Additionally, of these securities quoted on the OTC Markets, approximately 69% are quoted on the OTC Pink. While our agreements for OTC issuers may contain certain provisions providing for the issuance of additional securities upon certain events, the value of such securities on the date of receipt compared to the date when we are able to legally sell the securities may decrease significantly, and the stock price of such issuers is often volatile, unpredictable, and with limited liquidity. Additionally, the OTC Pink has less stringent requirements for listing than even other OTC Markets, such as the OTCQB or OTCQX. Often, the OTC Pink lists companies that (i) may not be providing current information, (ii) may not have independent directors, (iii) may have little to no trading, and (iv) may be very volatile. As a result, the value of the equity received on the date of payment may be significantly greater than the actual revenue derived by us upon a sale of the securities. Furthermore, there is no guarantee that the companies that we receive securities from will remain solvent or maintain “current information”, or other required criteria during the legally required holding period under Rule 144, which would result in the loss of some or all of our anticipated revenue. These risks are significantly increased for OTC Pink issuers. As we are not experienced traders, there can be no assurances that our personnel responsible for selling the securities will do so at opportune times or be able to maximize profitability.

Our receipt of securities in lieu of cash may be negatively affected by a downturn in the U.S. and/or global securities markets and could significantly reduce our revenue.

General political and economic conditions and events such as U.S. fiscal and monetary policies, economic recessions, inflationary events, governmental shutdowns, trade tensions and disputes, global economic slowdowns, widespread health epidemics or pandemics, natural disasters, terrorist attacks, wars, changes in local and national economic and political conditions, regulatory changes or changes in the laws, or interest rate or currency rate fluctuations could create a downturn in the U.S. and/or global securities markets. As we often receive restricted securities of companies, a downturn in the U.S. or global markets may impact such companies and the value of the securities we receive for services pursuant to the Sequire platform.

Risks Related to Ownership of our Securities; Listing of our Securities.

Our Common Stock does not currently meet the continued listing requirements for the Nasdaq Market and accordingly is subject to delisting.

On April 19, 2022, we received a written notice from the Nasdaq Stock Market LLC that we are not in compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5250(c)(1), because we had not yet filed our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021. Nasdaq Listing Rule 5250(c)(1) requires listed companies to timely file all required periodic reports with the SEC. Pursuant to Nasdaq rules, we have 60 calendar days from the date of the notification letter, or until June 20, 2022, to file the 2021 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Additionally, on May 24, 2022, we received another written notice from Nasdaq that we are further not in compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5250(c)(1) because we had not yet filed our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2022. Similarly, on August 17, 2022, we received another written notice from Nasdaq that we are further not in compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5250(c)(1) because we had not yet filed our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2022.

Nasdaq previously provided the Company with an extension of one hundred eighty (180) days from the initial due date of the 2021 Form 10-K or until October 12, 2022, to regain compliance with Nasdaq’s continued listing rule as it relates to all of the untimely filings. Accordingly, the Company’s (i) 2021 Form 10-K, (ii) March 30, 2022 Form 10-Q, and (iii) June 30, 2022 Form 10-Q are all required to be filed with the SEC by October 12, 2022.

If our shares lose their status on the Nasdaq Market, we believe that our shares would likely be eligible to be quoted on the inter-dealer electronic quotation and trading system operated by OTC Markets Group, commonly referred to as the over-the-counter market. These markets are generally considered not to be as efficient as, and not as broad as, the Nasdaq Market. If our common stock is delisted, this would, among other things, substantially impair our ability to raise additional funds and could result in a loss of institutional investor interest and fewer development opportunities for us.

Conversions of our convertible debentures, notes issued under our revolving credit facility, and the exercise of our common stock warrants may dilute the ownership interest of existing stockholders or may otherwise depress the price of our common stock.

The conversion of some or all of the outstanding convertible debentures or the revolving note issued in our secured revolving credit facility would dilute the ownership interests of existing stockholders. Any sales in the public market of the common stock issuable upon such conversion or exercise of outstanding warrants could adversely affect their prevailing market prices. In addition, the existence of the convertible debentures, revolving note, and outstanding warrants may encourage short selling by market participants because the conversion of such notes could be used to satisfy short positions, or the anticipated conversion of such debentures into shares of our common stock could depress the price of our common stock.

The market price of our common stock may be volatile.

The market for our common shares is characterized by significant price volatility when compared to seasoned issuers, and we expect that our share price will continue to be more volatile than those of a seasoned issuer. The volatility in our share price is attributable to a number of factors. Mainly however, we are a speculative or “risky” investment due to our limited operating history, lack of significant revenues to date, our continued operating losses and missed guidance. As a consequence of this enhanced risk, more risk-adverse investors may, under the fear of losing all or most of their investment in the event of negative news or lack of progress, be more inclined to sell their shares on the market more quickly and at greater discounts than would be the case with the stock of a seasoned issuer. Additionally, in the past, plaintiffs have often initiated securities class action litigation against a company following periods of volatility in the market price of its securities. We may in the future be the target of similar litigation. Securities litigation could result in substantial costs and liabilities and could divert management’s attention and resources.

The trading price of the shares of our common stock is likely to be highly volatile and could be subject to wide fluctuations in response to various factors, some of which are beyond our control. In addition to the factors discussed in this “Risk Factors” section and elsewhere in this quarterly report, these factors include:

In addition, the stock market in general, and advertising technology companies in particular, have experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that have often been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of these companies. Broad market and industry factors may negatively affect the market price of our common stock, regardless of our actual operating performance. The realization of any of these risks could have a dramatic and material adverse impact on the market price of the shares of our common stock.

The Revolving Note issued under our senior secured revolving credit facility contains an adjustment to the price at which the note can be converted into our common stock, which may result in further dilution to our shareholders.

The revolving note issued in our August 2022 secured revolving credit facility, of which $5,580,000 in principal is currently outstanding, is convertible into our common stock at a conversion price of $15.00 per share (the “Conversion Price”). Notwithstanding, the Conversion Price is subject to adjustment upon certain enumerated events which includes the sale of our common stock or equivalents at a deemed price equal to or less than $5.00 per share. On August 31, 2022, the closing price of our common stock was $2.37 per share. In the event that we are required to raise additional capital through the sale of our equity or debt securities, given our current market price, it is likely that the Conversion Price would be adjusted, and we may be required to issue a significantly greater number of shares upon conversion, than currently anticipated, resulting in greater dilution to our existing shareholders.

We may be subject to securities litigation, which is expensive and could divert management attention.

The market price of the shares of our common stock may be volatile, and in the past companies that have experienced volatility in the market price of their securities have been subject to securities class action litigation. We may be the target of this type of litigation in the future. Securities litigation against us could result in substantial costs and divert our management’s attention from other business concerns, which could seriously harm our business. To the extent that any claims or suits are brought against us and successfully concluded, we could be materially adversely affected, jeopardizing our ability to operate successfully. Furthermore, our human and capital resources could be adversely affected by the need to defend any such actions, even if we are ultimately successful in our defense.

Failure to meet the financial performance guidance or other forward-looking statements we have provided to the public could result in a decline in our stock price.

We have previously provided, and may provide in the future, public guidance on our expected financial results for future periods. Although we believe that this guidance provides investors with a better understanding of management’s expectations for the future and is useful to our stockholders and potential stockholders, such guidance is comprised of forward-looking statements subject to the risks and uncertainties. Our actual results may not always be in line with or exceed the guidance we have provided. For example, in the past, we have missed guidance a number of times. If our financial results for a particular period do not meet our guidance or if we reduce our guidance for future periods, the market price of our common stock may decline.

Delaware law contains anti-takeover provisions that could deter takeover attempts that could be beneficial to our stockholders.

Provisions of Delaware law could make it more difficult for a third-party to acquire us, even if doing so would be beneficial to our stockholders. Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law may make the acquisition of our company and the removal of incumbent officers and directors more difficult by prohibiting stockholders holding 15% or more of our outstanding voting stock from acquiring us, without our board of directors’ consent, for at least three years from the date they first hold 15% or more of the voting stock.

If securities or industry analysts do not publish research or publish inaccurate or unfavorable research about our business, the trading price of our common stock and trading volume could decline.

The trading market for our shares of our common stock will depend in part on the research and reports that securities or industry analysts publish about us or our business. A small number of securities and industry analysts currently publish research regarding our Company on a limited basis. In the event that one or more of the securities or industry analysts who have initiated coverage downgrade our securities or publish inaccurate or unfavorable research about our business, the price of our shares of common stock would likely decline. If one or more of these analysts cease coverage of our company or fail to publish reports on us regularly, demand for our securities could decrease, which might cause the trading price of our shares of common stock and trading volume to decline.

The elimination of monetary liability against our directors and officers under Delaware law and the existence of indemnification rights held by our directors and officers may result in substantial expenditures by us and may discourage lawsuits against our directors and officers.

Our certificate of incorporation eliminates the personal liability of our directors and officers to our company and our stockholders for damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director or officer to the extent permissible under Delaware law. Further, our bylaws provide that we are obligated to indemnify any of our directors or officers to the fullest extent authorized by Delaware law. We are also parties to separate indemnification agreements with certain of our directors and our officers which, subject to certain conditions, require us to advance the expenses incurred by any director or officer in defending any action, suit or proceeding prior to its final disposition. Those indemnification obligations could result in our company incurring substantial expenditures to cover the cost of settlement or damage awards against our directors or officers, which we may be unable to recoup. These provisions and resultant costs may also discourage us from bringing a lawsuit against any of our current or former directors or officers for breaches of their fiduciary duties, and may similarly discourage the filing of derivative litigation by our stockholders against our directors and officers even if such actions, if successful, might otherwise benefit us or our stockholders.

Not applicable to a smaller reporting company.

As a result of COVID-19, we our currently operating as a virtually distributed operation. We lease our principal executive offices, located in Westlake Village, California and consisting of approximately 500 square feet on a month-to-month basis at a rate of $1,000 per month. We also maintain offices in Mexicali, Mexico where we lease approximately 3,400 square feet of office space under a lease agreement terminating in September 2023 at an annual rental of $140,000 plus a value-added tax (VAT) or its equivalent in the Mexican national currency and a 10% VAT for maintenance and certain overhead expenses. We believe both locations are suitable and adequate for our current levels of operations and anticipated growth.

As of the date of this Annual Report, there are no material pending legal or governmental proceedings relating to our company or properties to which we are a party, and to our knowledge there are no material proceedings to which any of our directors, executive officers or affiliates are a party adverse to us or which have a material interest adverse to us.

Not applicable.

PART II

Market for Our Common Equity

Class A Common Stock.

Our Class A common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol “SRAX.”

As of August 31, 2022, there were approximately 47 holders of record of our common stock. Because many of our shares of common stock are held by brokers and other institutions on behalf of stockholders, we are unable to estimate the total number of beneficial holders represented by these record holders, but it is well in excess of the number of record holders.

Dividend policy

Common Stock

We have never paid cash dividends on either our Class A common stock or our Class B common stock. Under Delaware law, we may declare and pay dividends on our capital stock either out of our surplus, as defined in the relevant Delaware statutes, or if there is no such surplus, out of our net profits for the fiscal year in which the dividend is declared and/or the preceding fiscal year. If, however, the capital of our company, computed in accordance with the relevant Delaware statutes, has been diminished by depreciation in the value of our property, or by losses, or otherwise, to an amount less than the aggregate amount of the capital represented by the issued and outstanding stock of all classes having a preference upon the distribution of assets, we are prohibited from declaring and paying out of such net profits and dividends upon any shares of our capital stock until the deficiency in the amount of capital represented by the issued and outstanding stock of all classes having a preference upon the distribution of assets shall have been repaired.

Series A Preferred Stock

We issued a one-time return of capital consisting of a total of 36,462,417 shares of our Series A Preferred Stock to Qualified Recipients (as defined below) on a 1-for-1 as converted to common stock basis (the “Dividend”). The record date for the Dividend was September 20, 2021 (the “Record Date”). The Series A Preferred Stock entitles the Qualified Recipients with the right to receive the net proceeds from sales of certain securities received by SRAX as payment from its customers for access to the Sequire Platform services (the “Designated Assets”).

As of the Record Date, the following holders of securities were entitled to receive the Dividend (collectively, the “Qualified Recipients):

As of the Record Date, the Designated Assets had an aggregate value of approximately $6.5 million and consisted of securities (i) from twenty-five (25) companies that trade or are quoted on the OTC Markets, (ii) having stock prices ranging from $0.01 to $5.15, (iii) with aggregate values of the securities held by the Company ranging from $1,930 to $900,000, and (iv) with the average value held by the Company equal to $260,000 per issuer. The Designated Assets consist of (a) 24 issuers’ common stock and (b) one (1) issuer’s convertible debt instrument that is convertible into common stock.

The securities and cash that underly the Designated Assets had a market value of $3,925,000 as of December 31, 2021.

During the fourth quarter and portion of the third quarter of 2021, we sold an aggregate of approximately $680,000 of the Designated Assets. On January 30, 2022, we distributed the net proceeds from those shares to holders of our Series A Preferred Shares. Pursuant to the distribution, each holder of Series A Preferred Stock received approximately $0.01 per share.

During the first quarter of 2022, we sold an aggregate of $268,000 of the Designated Assets. The sale of Designated Assets did not result in sufficient proceeds to declare a distribution pursuant to the terms of the Series A Preferred Stock.

During the second quarter of 2022, we sold an aggregate of $127,000 of the Designated Assets. The sale of Designated Assets did not result in sufficient proceeds to declare a distribution pursuant to the terms of the Series A Preferred Stock.

As of June 30, 2022, after taking into account the sale of approximately $691,000, $268,000, and $127,000 during 2021, first quarter of 2022, and the second quarter of 2022, respectively, of the Designated Assets, the remaining Designated Assets have an aggregate value of approximately $2,789,383 (pursuant to the same valuation methods that our other securities are valued in this Annual Report, with such quoted market price potentially being greater or lesser than such value) and subsequent to sales and other transactions, consisted of securities (i) from nineteen (19) companies that trade or are quoted on the OTC Markets, (ii) having quoted stock prices ranging from $0.001 to $2.50, (iii) with aggregate values of the securities held by us ranging from $0 to $550,000, and (iv) with an average value equal to $93,000 per issuer. The Designated Assets consist of (a) 19 issuers’ common stock and (b) cash.

Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans

See information contained in Part III Item 12 of Annual Report entitled “Equity Compensation Plan Information.”

Recent sales of unregistered securities

The following information is given with regard to unregistered securities sold since January 1, 2021. The following securities were issued in private offerings pursuant to the exemption from registration contained in the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) and the rules promulgated thereunder in reliance on Section 4(2) thereof, relating to offers of securities by an issuer not involving any public offering:

Purchases of equity securities by the issuer and affiliated purchasers.

The following table provides information about our repurchases of our common stock that is registered pursuant to Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the year ended December 31, 2021.

Not applicable to a smaller reporting company.

The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contains forward-looking statements regarding our business development plans, timing, strategies, expectations, anticipated expenses levels, business prospects and positioning with respect to market, demographic and pricing trends, business outlook, technology spending and various other matters (including contingent liabilities and obligations and changes in accounting policies, standards and interpretations) and express our current intentions, beliefs, expectations, strategies or predictions. These forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions and currently available information and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including those set forth under “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and under “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this annual report. The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and related notes thereto included elsewhere in this annual report.

Our Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) is provided in addition to the accompanying consolidated financial statements and notes to assist readers in understanding our results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows. MD&A is organized as follows:

Executive Overview

Financial results:

Reportable Segments

We have a single operating and business segment, Sequire, which is comprised of two reporting units; Sequire and LD Micro. Our Sequire segment includes the licensing of our SaaS based Sequire platform and related services, and our event and conference operations. The segment amounts included in MD&A are presented on a basis consistent with our internal management reporting. All differences between our internal management reporting basis and accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”), along with certain corporate-level and other activity, are included in Corporate and Other. Our management, along with our chief executive officer, who acts as our Chief Operating Decision Maker (as such term is defined accounting segment reporting guidance), review financial information presented on a consolidated basis for purposes of allocating resources and evaluating performance and do not evaluate using asset information.

Deconsolidation of BIGToken, Inc.

On December 29, 2021, our subsidiary BIGtoken, Inc. (fka Force Protection Video Equipment) completed a merger with BritePool, Inc. (BritePool). As a result of the transaction our ownership interest in BIGToken was reduced from 65.9% to 36.45% of the issued and outstanding common stock. As part of the transaction, we entered into an exchange agreement pursuant to which we converted 135,870,262,448 or approximately 50% of the issued and outstanding shares of BIGToken into non-voting Series D Convertible Preferred Stock (“Series D Stock”). The decrease in our ownership of voting equity resulted in our loss of the ability to exert significant control over BIGToken resulted in us deconsolidating its operation.

We have classified the related assets and liabilities associated with BIGToken’s business as discontinued operations in our consolidated balance sheet. The financial results of BIGToken’s business has been presented as discontinued operations in our consolidated statement of income for all periods presented through the respective transaction close date. Please see “Note 2 — Discontinued Operations” in our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report for additional information. As such, the discussion of our results of operations and the related tables, below do not included the operations of BIGToken, as its results of operations have been included in discontinued operations on the consolidated statements of operations.

Business Focus

During 2021, we have focused on: (i) the continued growth of our Sequire platform’s functionality and user base and (ii) the expansion of LD micro events and offerings.

Covid-19

Our business has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has resulted in authorities implementing numerous preventative measures to contain or mitigate the outbreak of the virus, such as travel bans and restrictions, limitations on business activity, quarantines, and shelter-in-place orders. These measures have caused, and are continuing to cause, business slowdowns or shutdowns in affected areas, both regionally and worldwide, which have significantly impacted our business and results of operations. We are unable to predict the impact of the pandemic on user growth and engagement with any certainty, and we expect these trends to continue to be subject to volatility.

More recently, we believe the pandemic has contributed to an acceleration in the shift of commerce from offline to online, as well as increasing consumer demand for purchasing products as opposed to services, and we experienced increasing demand for our products as a result of these trends. The impact of the pandemic on our overall results of operations, remains highly uncertain for the foreseeable future.

We intend to continue to invest in our business based on our company priorities, and we anticipate that additional investments in our network infrastructure, as well as scaling our headcount to support our growth, will continue to drive expense growth in 2022.

FINANCIAL CONDITION

Going Concern

Cash on hand and marketable securities at December 31, 2021 was approximately $1.35 million and $15.6 million, respectively. Based upon our cash flow projections taking into account cash, marketable securities and the projected cash flows from operations we believe we have enough liquidity, taking into account the uncertainty related to the ongoing pandemic and general economic uncertainty, to continue to fund operations at their currently level through the remainder of the year.

The Company has incurred significant losses since its inception and has not demonstrated an ability to generate cash from the sales of its services to in excess of operating expenses. In addition, the Company’s operations may require additional financial support or additional financing. These factors create uncertainty or doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date that the consolidated financial statements are issued. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might be necessary if the Company is unable to continue as a going concern. Accordingly, the consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a basis that assumes the Company will continue as a going concern and which contemplates the realization of assets and satisfaction of liabilities and commitments in the ordinary course of business.

Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Investments

As of December 31, 2021, we had (i) cash of $1.35 million , and (ii) marketable securities of $15.6 million for a total of approximately $17 million  compared to $8.90 million as of December 31, 2020. Cash and cash equivalents consist primarily of highly liquid investments such as money market funds and deposits held at major banks. In addition, we had availability of $1,000,000 of unused amounts available under a credit facility as of December 31, 2021. Certain of such unused amounts are subject to satisfying specified conditions prior to draw-down (such as pledging to our lenders sufficient subscriptions and customer contracts).

Components of Results of Operations

Revenues

Sequire Platform: We recognize revenue from the licensing of our Sequire platform, data, marketing and insight services performed in conjunction with the Sequire platform. We recognize revenue using the percentage of completion method based primarily on time.

Conference Revenue. We recognize revenue from hosting conferences and associated sponsorships. We receive payment from presenting companies and sponsors of the conferences.

2020 was the first full year of operations for our Sequire business. We charge a base monthly license fee for a Sequire subscription, which ranges from $1,000 per month up to $5,000 per month.

During the third quarter of 2020, we acquired LD Micro, Inc. LD Micro’s primary line of business was the hosting of investor related conferences. Historically, LD Micro’s investor conferences have been in-person, however, during the past year we have successfully hosted virtual conferences leveraging Sequire’s platform technology to execute these events.

The following table presents net revenues by type for the periods indicated (in dollars, except percentages):

Operating Expenses

Cost of revenue. Our cost of revenue consists primarily of expenses associated with the cost of media from third parties. If the estimated consideration expected to be received under a revenue contract less than the estimated cost to fulfill our obligations under the contract, the Company will record a liability for the estimated cost in excess of estimated consideration in the period this is knowable.

Employee Related Costs. These are the costs we incur to employ our staff.

Platform costs. Consist of the technology and content hosting of our Sequire.

Marketing, data services and sales. These are the costs we incur to market our products, data service fees and third-party selling costs.

Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and Amortization cost represent an allocation of the costs incurred to acquire the long-lived assets used in our business over their estimated useful lives. Our long-lived assets consist of property and equipment and internally developed software.

General and administrative. General and administrative expense consists primarily of human resources, information technology, professional fees, IT and facility overhead, and other general corporate expense. We expect our general and administrative expense to increase in absolute dollars primarily as a result of the increased costs associated with being a stand-alone public company. However, we also expect our general and administrative expense to fluctuate as a percentage of our revenue in future periods based on fluctuations in our revenue and the timing of such expense.

2020 was the first full year of operations for our Sequire business. We charge a base monthly license fee for a Sequire subscription, which ranges from $1,000 per month up to $5,000 per month.

During the third quarter of 2020, we acquired LD Micro, Inc. LD Micro’s primary line of business was the hosting of investor related conferences. Historically, LD Micro’s investor conferences have been in-person, however, during the past year we have successfully hosted virtual conferences leveraging Sequire’s platform technology to execute these events.

Operating Expenses

The following table presents operating expenses for the periods indicated (in dollars, except percentages):

Revenues

Revenues for the year ended December 31, 2021 increased to approximately $26,707,000 compared to approximately $6,479,000 for the year ended December 31, 2020. Sequire’s continued growth was primarily driven by the growth of the services provided to issuers through the Sequire platform. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company closed sales with total gross contract value of approximating $44,000,000.

In certain circumstances, the Company accepts payment in the form of securities of our publicly held customers. The Company values the securities in accordance with ASC 820, see the Valuation section of our Management Discussion and Analysis section for further discussion.

Sequire Operating Expenses

Operating expenses consisted of the following:

Costs of revenue: Sequire’s operating expenses for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 were approximately $6,521,000 and $1,789,000, respectively.

Employee Related Costs. These are the costs we incur to employ our staff. Employee related costs increased to $7,533,000 during the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to $4,683,000 for the year ended December 31, 2020. The increase is primarily the result of an increase in staffing expenses due to an increase in the number of employees in all departments of the business to support the growth in operations during the year. We expect these expenses to continue to increase in absolute dollars as revenue increases.

Platform costs. Consist of the technology and content hosting. Platform costs for the year ended December 31, 2021 were $214,000. For the year ended December 31, 2020 Platform costs were $960,000. These costs decreased from the prior year due to the Company’s elimination of the outsourcing of certain function to support to the Company’s platform. We expect these costs to continue to increase in absolute dollars as we continue to grow but expect that they continue to decrease as a percentage of our revenues.

Marketing, data services and sales. These are the costs we incur to market our products and third-party services and selling costs. Marketing, data services and sales for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 were $6,330,000 and $1,717,000, respectively. We expect these costs to continue to grow in nominal dollars as we continue to grow but expect that they continue to decrease as a percentage of our revenues.

Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and Amortization cost represent an allocation of the costs incurred to acquire the long-lived assets used in our business over their estimated useful lives. Our long-lived assets primarily consist of internally developed software. For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 depreciation and amortization were $842,000 and $772,000, respectively. We expect these expenses to continue to increase as we anticipate further investment in long-lived assets to support our business growth.

Corporate and Other Operating Expenses

Corporate and Other Operating expense consists primarily of human resources, information technology, professional fees, IT and facility overhead, and other general corporate expense. General and Administrative expenses were approximately $5,352,000 and $3,590,000 million for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The increase in expense for the year is driven by an increase in corporate employee and staffing related expenses to support the growth of the Company.

We expect our general and administrative expense to increase in absolute dollars as we continue to grow our business. However, we also expect our general and administrative expense to decrease as a percentage of our revenues as revenues increase.

Net Loss

The Company’s Net Loss for the year-ended December 31, 2021 was $41,227,000. This represented an increase of $26,522,000 from the prior year. The increase in Net Loss for the year ended December 31, 2021 was primarily due to an increase in Net loss from our Discontinued Operations.

Discontinued Operations represent the results from operations of BIGtoken. Upon the deconsolidation of BIGtoken, BIGtoken’s operating results, assets, liabilities and cash flows for all periods presented have been classified as discontinued operations within the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Loss from discontinued operations for the year ended December 31, 2021 was $25,060,000, which represented an increase of $20,419,000 from the year ended December 31,2020. The loss from discontinued operations for the year-ended December 31, 2021 includes a loss of $10,684,000 related to our disposal of BIGtoken.

See “Note 2 – Discontinued Operations” in our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report for additional information.

Loss from continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2021 was $16,167,000, which represented an increase of $6,103,000 from the year ended December 31,2020.

Cash Flows

Cash flows from continuing operating activities

The primary use of operating cash is to pay our media, data and platform vendors, employees and others for a wide range of services. Cash flows used in operating activities increased by $6,163,000 during the year ended December 31, 2021, primarily driven by an increase in operating expenses and costs of revenues, partially offset by increases in cash receipts and revenues.

The Company expects to continue to use cash in excess of receipts generated from operations for the foreseeable future due to the substantial portion of the Company’s sales paid for in marketable securities of our customers. The Company classifies sales of marketable securities received from our customers for the payment of our services as investing activities.

Cash flows from continuing investing activities

Our principal recurring investing activities are the funding of our internal software development and the sale of marketable securities. During the years ended December 31, 2021, and 2020, net cash provided by investing activities was $3,998,000 and $6,221,000, respectively. Expenditures for software development were $798,000 and $633,000 for the years ended December 31, 2021, and 2020, respectively. Deferred payments related to our acquisition of LD Micro during the year December 31, 2021, were $3,004,000. During years ended December 31, 2021, the Company generated $8,666,000 from the sale of marketable securities and purchased $1,450,000 of marketable securities.

Cash flows from continuing financing activities

During the years ended December 31, 2021, we generated net cash from financing activities of $15,443,000. During the years ended December 31, 2020, cash provided by financing activities was $7,862,000.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

For further information on recently issued accounting pronouncements, see Note 1—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies in the accompanying notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Off balance sheet arrangements

As of the date of this report, we do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that are material to investors. The term “off-balance sheet arrangement” generally means any transaction, agreement or other contractual arrangement to which an entity unconsolidated with us is a party, under which we have any obligation arising under a guarantee contract, derivative instrument or variable interest or a retained or contingent interest in assets transferred to such entity or similar arrangement that serves as credit, liquidity or market risk support for such assets.

Liquidity and Capital Resource Requirements

Our primary source of cash is from proceeds received from the sale of marketable securities we receive from our customers as consideration for our services, as well as cash proceeds received directly from customers as consideration.

Our primary use of cash is the payment of our operating costs, which consist primarily of employee-related expenses, such as compensation and benefits, as well as general operating expenses for our SaaS operations, marketing, facilities and overhead costs, and capital expenditures. We also utilize cash for debt service, stock repurchases, dividends on the Preferred Stock, and business acquisitions. Cash generated from operations, along with our existing cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments, are our primary sources of operating liquidity, and we believe that our operating liquidity is currently insufficient to support our business operations, including debt service, and capital expenditure requirements.

We believe that our current sources of funds, along with the financing source described below, will provide us with adequate liquidity during the 12-month period following December 31, 2021, including to repay our remaining debt obligations. Our future capital requirements will depend on many factors, however, the Company’s primary source of capital is the sale of marketable securities received as consideration for the licensing of our Sequire platform and the associated services. The marketable securities the Company receives are primarily issued through an exemption to registration and as a result are restricted from resale into the public market for a period of time. The periods of restriction are generally at least six months, and in some cases up to two years. These restriction periods often change based on circumstances outside of the Company’s control, such as the issuers status with filing of current information. Since a majority of the marketable securities are primarily listed on the OTC Markets, they are more likely to experience such changes in restriction periods. The changes in restriction periods in conjunction with market volatility make it difficult to predict the timing of the associated cash flows from the sales of these marketable securities. Additionally, other factors such as , our subscription growth rate, subscription renewal activity, including the timing and the amount of cash received from customers, the expansion of sales and marketing activities, the timing and extent of spending to support development efforts, the introduction of new and enhanced products, the continuing market adoption of Sequire.

Financing Arrangements

In May 2020, we entered into an at-the-market Sales Agreement with B. Riley FBR, Inc. for the sale of up to $3,125,000 of shares of our Class A Common Stock. The at-the-market agreement was entered into pursuant to a takedown from our shelf registration statement declared effective on December 11, 2019 (Registration No. 333-235298). During 2021, we sold 53,616 shares under such agreement at an average per share price of $5.47 resulting in gross proceeds of $293,000 and net proceeds of $284,000 after deducting commissions and other costs and expenses associated with such sales. On April 15, 2022 we lost our ability to utilize Form S-3 registration statements for the registration of our securities. Accordingly, we are no longer able to utilize the ATM.

During the three months ended March 31, 2022 the Company entered into a factoring agreement with a financial institution to sell certain accounts receivable and future sales of up to $3 million. The factoring agreement was fully paid off with the proceeds of our revolving credit facility described below. Pursuant to the revolving credit facility, we are precluded from entering into future factoring agreements while loans are outstanding under the credit facility.

We may, in the future, enter into arrangements to acquire or invest in complementary businesses, products, and technologies. Finally, we continually evaluate our cash needs and may decide it is best to raise additional capital or seek alternative financing sources to fund the rapid growth of our business, including through drawdowns on existing debt facilities. Conversely, we may also from time to time determine that it is in our best interests to voluntarily repay certain indebtedness early or repurchase our common stock through our Stock buy-back program.

On August 8, 2022, we entered into a revolving line of credit allowing us to borrow up to $9.45 million in principal. Until such time that the Company becomes current on its reporting obligations under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the maximum amount accessible is limited to $5.5 million. The revolving credit line has a two-year term with a variable repayment schedule that is tied to the proceeds the Company generates from the sale of marketable securities from its portfolio. The principal repayment as a percentage of proceeds from marketable securities is 10% for the first three months and increase up to 20% after 12 months. Further, we agreed to pay the lender in the credit facility, an amount equal to ten percent (10%) of the net proceeds actually received by us from the sale any securities of a customer that we acquired during the term of the revolving note(s).

As of December 31, 2021, our cash on hand was approximately $1.35 million. We reported a net loss from continuing operations for both the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020.

We have historically financed our operations primarily from the sale of debt and equity securities. Recently, our operations from Sequire and LD Micro have resulted in increased revenue, but we are still not cash flow positive, and accordingly cannot fund our operations solely from our revenue. Notwithstanding our recent revolving credit facility financing (including the bridge note), for which we have received approximately $5.5 million, partially offset by the required payments we made under outstanding obligations of $3.75 million at closing, we are still unable to meet all of our obligations as they become due. We anticipate that we will need to continue to fund our operations from the sale of debt and equity securities. Additionally, we are delinquent in our SEC reporting obligations and have received notices from Nasdaq that if we are not current with our reporting obligations by October 12, 2022, we will be delisted. Although we have been historically successful in raising capital through the sale of our equity and debt securities, and management believes that such capital sources will be available should they be required, there can be no assurance that financing will be available to us when needed in order to allow us to continue our operations, or if available, on terms acceptable to us. Further, in the event we are delisted from Nasdaq, raising capital through the sale of our equity or debt securities will be more challenging as investors are historically less likely to purchase securities that are not listed on a national exchange.

Capital Allocation Framework

As noted above, after cash utilization required for working capital, capital expenditures, and required debt service, we expect that our primary usage of cash will be for business combinations, repayment of outstanding indebtedness, and/or stock repurchases under repurchase programs that may be in place from time to time (subject to the terms of our 2020 Credit Agreement). For further information regarding our recent stock repurchase program, see above.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Critical accounting estimates are those estimates made in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles that involve a significant level of estimation uncertainty and have had or are reasonably likely to have a material impact on the financial condition or results of operations of the registrant.

Revenue Recognition

We derive and report our revenue in two categories: (a) recurring revenue, which includes bundled SaaS, unbundled SaaS, and optional managed services, and (b) nonrecurring revenue, which primarily consists of our event revenue. We account for a contract with a customer when approved, the contract is committed, the rights of the parties, including payment terms, are identified, the contract has commercial substance and consideration is probable of collection. We recognize revenue when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to our customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration that we expect to receive in exchange for those services. Products sold by us are delivered electronically. We generate all of our revenue from contracts with customers. We generally invoice a customer in advance of delivery, or in accordance with specific contractual provisions. Payments are due as per contract terms and do not contain a significant financing component. The primary purpose of our invoicing terms is to provide customers with simplified and predictable ways of purchasing our goods and services, and not to provide financing to or from customers.

We account for revenue in accordance with Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). Our revenue recognition policies require us to make significant judgments and estimates. In applying our revenue recognition policy, we must determine which portions of our revenue are recognized at a point in time and which portions must be deferred and recognized over time. We analyze various factors including, but not limited to, the selling price of undelivered services when sold on a stand-alone basis, our pricing policies, the creditworthiness of our customers, and contractual terms and conditions in helping us to make such judgments about revenue recognition. Changes in judgment on any of these factors could materially impact the timing and amount of revenue recognized in a given period.

Our contracts with customers often include promises to transfer multiple products and services to a customer. In contracts with multiple performance obligations, we identify each performance obligation and evaluate whether the performance obligations are distinct within the context of the contract at contract inception. Performance obligations that are not distinct at contract inception are combined. For bundled SaaS arrangements, we determine whether the services performed during the initial phases of an arrangement, such as setup activities, are distinct. In most cases, we consider our bundled SaaS deliverable to represent a single performance obligation comprised of a series of distinct services that are substantially the same and that have the same pattern of transfer (i.e., distinct days of service). We record deferred revenue attributable to certain process transition, setup activities where such activities do not represent separate performance obligations. Implementation, support, and other services are typically considered distinct performance obligations when sold with a software license unless these services are determined to significantly modify the software. The transaction price is generally in the form of a fixed fee at contract inception.

We enter into contracts to sell our products and services, and while some of our sales agreements contain standard terms and conditions, there are agreements that contain non-standard terms and conditions and include promises to transfer multiple goods or services. As a result, significant interpretation and judgment is sometimes required to determine the appropriate accounting for these transactions including: (1) whether performance obligations are considered distinct and required to be accounted for separately or combined, including allocation of transaction price; (2) developing an estimate of the stand-alone selling price, or SSP, of each distinct performance obligation; (3) combining contracts that may impact the allocation of the transaction price between product and services; and (4) estimating and accounting for variable consideration, including rights of return, rebates, price protection, expected penalties or other price concessions as a reduction of the transaction price.

We then look to how control transfers to the customer in order to determine the timing of revenue recognition. Revenue related to bundled SaaS, professional services and customer education services is typically recognized over time as the services are performed.

Accounting for Business Combinations

We allocate the purchase price of acquired companies to the tangible and intangible assets acquired, including in-process research and development assets, and liabilities assumed, based upon their estimated fair values at the acquisition dates, with the remaining unallocated purchase prices recorded as goodwill. These fair values are typically estimated with assistance from independent valuation specialists. The purchase price allocation process requires us to make significant estimates and assumptions, especially at the acquisition date with respect to intangible assets, contractual support obligations assumed, contingent consideration arrangements, and pre-acquisition contingencies.

Although we believe the assumptions and estimates we have made in the past have been reasonable and appropriate, they are based in part on historical experience and information obtained from the management of the acquired companies and are inherently uncertain.

Examples of critical estimates in valuing certain of the intangible assets we have acquired or may acquire in the future include but are not limited to:

Goodwill and Other Acquired Intangible Assets

We test goodwill for impairment at the reporting unit level, which can be an operating segment or one level below an operating segment, on an annual basis as of December 31, or more frequently if changes in facts and circumstances indicate that impairment in the value of goodwill may exist. Subsequent to the divestiture of BIGtoken, Inc. on December 28, 2021, we became a pure-play data/insights company that operates as a single reporting unit.

In testing for goodwill impairment, we may elect to utilize a qualitative assessment to evaluate whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If we elect to bypass a qualitative assessment, or if our qualitative assessment indicates that goodwill impairment is more likely than not, we perform quantitative impairment testing. If our quantitative testing determines that the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, goodwill impairment is recognized in an amount equal to that excess, limited to the total goodwill allocated to the reporting unit.

When we decide to perform a qualitative assessment, we assess and make judgments regarding a variety of factors which potentially impact the fair value of the reporting unit, including general economic conditions, industry and market-specific conditions, customer behavior, cost factors, our financial performance and trends, our strategies and business plans, capital requirements, management and personnel issues, and our stock price, among others. We then consider the totality of these and other factors, placing more weight on the events and circumstances that are judged to most affect the reporting unit’s fair value or the carrying amount of its net assets, to reach a qualitative conclusion regarding whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount.

When we perform quantitative impairment testing, we utilize one or more of three primary approaches to assess fair value: (a) an income-based approach, using projected discounted cash flows, (b) a market-based approach, using valuation multiples of comparable companies, and (c) a transaction-based approach, using valuation multiples for recent acquisitions of similar businesses made in the marketplace.

Our estimate of fair value of our reporting unit is based on a number of subjective factors, including: (a) appropriate consideration of valuation approaches (income approach, comparable public company approach, and comparable transaction approach), (b) estimates of future growth rates, (c) estimates of our future cost structure, (d) discount rates for our estimated cash flows, (e) selection of peer group companies for the comparable public company and the comparable transaction approaches, (f) required levels of working capital, (g) assumed terminal value, and (h) time horizon of cash flow forecasts.

The determination of reporting units also requires judgment. We assess whether a reporting unit exists within a reportable segment by identifying the unit, determining whether the unit qualifies as a business under GAAP, and assessing the availability and regular review by segment management of discrete financial information for the unit.

We review intangible assets that have finite useful lives and other long-lived assets when an event occurs indicating the potential for impairment. If any indicators are present, we perform a recoverability test by comparing the sum of the estimated undiscounted future cash flows attributable to the assets in question to their carrying amounts. If the undiscounted cash flows used in the test for recoverability are less than the long-lived assets carrying amount, we determine the fair value of the long-lived asset and recognize an impairment loss if the carrying amount of the long-lived asset exceeds its fair value. The impairment loss recognized is the amount by which the carrying amount of the long-lived asset exceeds its fair value.

For all our goodwill and other intangible asset impairment reviews, the assumptions and estimates used in the process are complex and often subjective. They can be affected by a variety of factors, including external factors such as industry and economic trends, and internal factors such as changes in our business strategy or our internal forecasts. Although we believe the assumptions, judgments, and estimates we have used in our assessments are reasonable and appropriate, a material change in any of our assumptions or external factors could lead to future goodwill or other intangible asset impairment charges.

Based upon our December 31, 2021 quantitative goodwill impairment review of our reporting unit, we concluded that the estimated fair value of our reporting units exceeded its carrying value. Our reporting unit carried goodwill of $17.9 million at December 31, 2021.

Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation

We recognize the cost of employee services received in exchange for awards of equity instruments based on the grant-date fair value of the award.

Awards are generally subject to multi-year vesting periods. We recognize compensation expense for awards on a straight-line basis over the requisite service periods of the awards, which are generally the vesting periods.

Changes in assumptions can materially affect the estimate of fair value of stock-based compensation and, consequently, the related expense recognized. The assumptions we use in calculating the fair value of stock-based payment awards represent our best estimates, which involve inherent uncertainties and the application of judgment. As a result, if factors change and we use different assumptions, our stock-based compensation expense could be materially different in the future.

Going concern assessment

With the implementation of Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (“FASB”) standard on going concern, Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-15, we assess going concern uncertainty in our consolidated financial statements to determine if we have sufficient cash and cash equivalents on hand and working capital, including available loans or lines of credit, if any, to operate for a period of at least one year from the date our consolidated financial statements are issued, which is referred to as the “look-forward period” as defined by ASU No. 2014-15. As part of this assessment, based on conditions that are known and reasonably knowable to us, we consider various scenarios, forecasts, projections, and estimates, and we make certain key assumptions, including the timing and nature of projected cash expenditures or programs, and our ability to delay or curtail those expenditures or programs, if necessary, among other factors. Based on this assessment, as necessary or applicable, we make certain assumptions around implementing curtailments or delays in the nature and timing of programs and expenditures to the extent we deem probable those implementations can be achieved and we have the proper authority to execute them within the look-forward period in accordance with ASU No. 2014-15.

Valuation

Definition and Hierarchy

Fair value is defined as the price received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (i.e. the “exit price”) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.

In determining fair value, the Company uses various valuation techniques. A fair value hierarchy for inputs is used in measuring fair value. It maximizes observable inputs and minimizes unobservable inputs. Valuation techniques consistent with the market or income approach are used to measure fair value. The fair value hierarchy is categorized into three levels:

Level 1 – Valuations based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access.

Level 2 – Valuations based on inputs, other than quoted prices included in Level 1, that are observable either directly or indirectly.

Level 3 – Valuations based on inputs that are unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement.

Fair value is a market-based measure that is based on assumptions of prices and inputs considered from the perspective of a market participant on the measurement date. Therefore, even when market assumptions are not readily available, the fund’s own assumptions reflect those that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability at the measurement date.

The availability of valuation techniques and observable inputs can vary from investment to investment and are affected by a wide variety of factors. The determination of fair value requires prudent judgment. Due to the inherent uncertainty of valuation, estimated values may be materially different from values were a ready market available. Inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, the fund’s level is based on the lowest significant level input to the fair value measurement.

Valuation Techniques and Inputs

Investments in securities and listed on major securities exchanges are valued at their last reported sales price as of the valuation date.

Many over-the-counter contracts have bid and ask prices that are observable in the marketplace. Bid prices reflect the highest price that the marketplace participants are willing to pay for an asset. Ask prices represent the lowest price that the marketplace participants are willing to accept for an asset. For securities whose inputs are based on bid-ask prices, the Company’s valuation policies do not require that fair value always be a predetermined point in the bid-ask range.

The Company’s policy for securities traded in OTC markets and for listed securities for which no sale was reported on that date are generally valued at their last reported bid price if held long and last reported ask

These securities are categorized in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy to the extent these securities are actively traded. Securities traded on inactive markets or valued by reference to similar instruments are generally categorized in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Investments in Restricted Securities of Public Companies

Investments in restricted securities of public companies cannot be offered for sale to the public until the company complies with certain statutory requirements. The valuation will not exceed the listed price on any major securities exchange. Investments in restricted securities of public companies are generally categorized in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. However, investments in restricted securities in public companies may be categorized in Level 2 or 3 of the fair value hierarchy depending on the level of observable liquidity. If the restriction on the sale of the restricted securities exceeds 180 days, the Company applies a marketability discount due to the nature of the restriction related to the security.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

For further information on recently issued accounting pronouncements, see Note 1—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies in the accompanying notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Annual Report.

Off balance sheet arrangements

As of the date of this report, we do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that are material to investors. The term “off-balance sheet arrangement” generally means any transaction, agreement or other contractual arrangement to which an entity unconsolidated with us is a party, under which we have any obligation arising under a guarantee contract, derivative instrument or variable interest or a retained or contingent interest in assets transferred to such entity or similar arrangement that serves as credit, liquidity or market risk support for such assets.

Not applicable for a smaller reporting company.

Please see our consolidated financial statements beginning on page F-1 of this annual report.

None.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our management, consisting of our Principal Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of December 31, 2021. This evaluation included consideration of the controls, processes and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports the Company files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and to provide reasonable assurance that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Management has identified material weaknesses in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Based on that evaluation, management concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2021 were ineffective.

Inherent Limitations over Internal Controls

The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). The Company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that:

(i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the Company’s assets;

(ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP, and that the Company’s receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of the Company’s management and directors; and

(iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

(iv) Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

The Company’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act). Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer and effected by our board of directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Management conducted an assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on the criteria set forth in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013).

Based on the Company’s assessment, management has concluded that, our internal control over financial reporting was ineffective as of December 31, 2021 because of the following material weaknesses in internal controls over financial reporting:

To mitigate the items identified in the assessment, we rely heavily on direct management oversight of transactions, along with the use of legal and accounting professionals/consultants. As we grow, we expect to increase the number of employees, which would enable us to implement adequate segregation of duties within the internal control framework.

Remediation

We are continuing to seek ways to remediate these weaknesses, which stem from our small workforce and limited resources. The Company plans to hire an independent valuation expert to value the securities it receives as consideration for its services.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

No change in our internal control over financial reporting occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2021 that materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. This annual report does not include an attestation report of our registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management’s report was not subject to attestation by our registered public accounting firm pursuant to the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission that permit us to provide only management’s report in this annual report.

None.

PART III

The names of our directors and executive officers and their ages, positions, and biographies as of August 31, 2022 (except as expressly stated) are set forth below. Our executive officers are appointed by, and serve at the discretion of the Board. There are no family relationships among any of our directors or executive officers.

Named Executive Officers and Directors

The following is biographical information on the current members of our executive officers and board of directors:

Christopher Miglino. Since co-founding our company in April 2010, Mr. Miglino has served as our Chief Executive Officer and a member of our board of directors. He was appointed President of our company in January 2017. He also served as our Chief Financial Officer from April 2010 until November 2014. Mr. Miglino has spent the past 20 years working in the digital advertising space and has successfully launched and sold two internet companies. Both of these companies were sold to publicly-traded companies on the NASDAQ. He has a detailed understanding of the relationship between technology and brands. Mr. Miglino previously served as a Board member for EVmo, Inc. (fka YaYYo, Inc) [OTC: YAYO] and served on their compensation committee until January 2020. Mr. Miglino also served as chairman of the Board and as interim chief executive officer of BIGtoken, Inc., a former majority owned subsidiary of SARX [OTC: BGTK]. In evaluating Mr. Miglino’s specific experience, attributes and skills in connection with his appointment to our board, we took into account his role as a co-founder of our company, his operational experience in our company as well as his professional experience in our business sector.

Christopher Lahiji. Christopher Lahiji has served as the president of LD Micro, Inc., our wholly owned subsidiary since it was acquired in September 2020. Mr. Lahiji has over 14 years of experience creating, managing, and running in-person and virtual conferences in the public sector. He has served as the president of LD Micro since 2006, providing investor conferences and data to micro-cap public corporations. In evaluating Mr. Lahiji’s specific experience, attributes and skills in connection with his appointment to our board, we took into account his founding of LD Micro, as well as his operational experience in LD Micro as well as professional experience in the investor conference space.

Michael Malone. Michael Malone has served as our chief financial officer since January 2019. Mr. Malone has over fourteen (14) years of experience in corporate finance in public and private companies. From 2014 until December 2018, he served as Vice President Finance of Westwood One, LLC, a subsidiary of Cumulus Media, Inc. (NYSE: “CMLS”), an audio broadcast network in New York. Prior to that, from January 2013 through June 2014, he served as Finance Director / Controller for Cumulus Media Network’, audio broadcast network in Georgia, until its merger with Westwood One, LLC. Prior to that from 2012 to 2013, he worked as Director of Internal Auditing of Cumulus Media. He holds a BA in accounting from Monmouth College.

Marc Savas. Mr. Savas has been a member of our board of directors since January 2012. Mr. Savas has over 15 years of experience in management and sales consulting and six years of experience in real estate easement acquisitions. Since January 2007 he has served as CEO of Living Full Blast, Inc., overseeing business development and consulting for numerous companies and putting together sales teams for such companies. In addition, from January 1998 until January 2006, Mr. Savas was also CEO for Unfair Advantage Inc., where he conducted 118 management consulting projects, many of which were created using programs that his company had designed. Additionally, from January 2005 until January 2009, Mr. Savas was the national Vice President of Business Development for Connexion Technologies where he built national teams of qualified individuals to effectively secure easements from large real estate owners in order to build telecommunication systems through their properties. In evaluating Mr. Savas’s specific experience, attributes and skills in connection with his appointment to our board, we took into account his management consulting and operational experience.

Robert Jordan. Mr. Jordan has been a member of our board of directors since March 2017. He is a seasoned business executive who has spent the past 20 years acquiring, managing and divesting middle-market companies spanning a variety of industries. Since 2016 he has served as Chief Executive Officer of Yoi Corporation, a Los-Angeles-based company that provides software as a service (SaaS)-based mobile digital tools for line managers. In 2013, Mr. Jordan founded Tribeca Capital Partners LLC, a private investment holding company focused on acquiring and operating lower middle market companies. Immediately prior to founding Tribeca Capital Partners LLC, from 2003 to 2013 Mr. Jordan was Chief Executive Officer of KMS Software Company, LLC, a leading human capital management SaaS company which he successfully sold to SAP AG in April 2013. Prior to KMS, Mr. Jordan held chief executive officer roles at a number of companies across several industry sectors and senior management positions at both The Walt Disney Company and Pepsi-Cola Bottling Company. He received a BSBA from Northern Arizona University and attended Executive Education programs at both Harvard Business School and UCLA School of Business. In evaluating Mr. Jordan’s specific experience, attributes and skills in connection with his appointment to our board, we took into account his executive level and senior management business experience coupled by his private investment company experience.

Colleen DiClaudio. Ms. DiClaudio has been a member of our board of directors since September 2017. She currently serves as president of 340B Technologies, a 340B software solutions healthcare technology company she co-founded in August 2014. From June 2009 through August 2014 she served as vice president of business development of CompleteCare Health Network, located in New Jersey. Ms. DiClaudio has received a Master’s Degree of Public Health from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Health from Stockton University. In evaluating Ms. DiClaudio’s specific experience, attributes and skills in connection with his appointment to our board, we took into account her experience in the healthcare technology sector and entrepreneurial background.

Brock Pierce. Mr. Pierce has been a member of our board of directors since March 2021. Mr. Piece is currently employed or associated with the following entities: (i) Areytos Experiences, LLC, since March 2020, (ii) The Roundtable LLC, since February 2020, (iii) Affinity Media PR LLC, since May 2019, (iv) Percival Services LLC, since January 2019, (v) Unicorn Ventures LLC, since March 2018, and (vi) Integro Foundation Inc., since December 2017. Mr. Pierce has co-founded, advised, and funded over 100 companies, primarily focused on technological innovation and blockchain technologies. Mr. Pierce also ran as a presidential candidate in the United States for the 2020 election. In evaluating Mr. Pierce’s specific experience, attributes and skills in connection with his appointment to our board, we took into account his investment experience and knowledge of various technology industries.

Code of Ethics

We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of honest and ethical conduct in running our business efficiently, serving our stockholders interests and maintaining our integrity in the marketplace. To further this commitment, we have adopted our Code of Conduct and Business Code of Ethics, which applies to all our directors, officers and employees. To assist in its governance, our Board has formed three standing committees composed entirely of independent directors, Audit, Compensation and Corporate Governance and Nominating committees. A discussion of each committee’s function is set forth below.

Bylaws

Our bylaws, the charters of each Board committee, the independent status of a majority of our board of directors, our Code of Conduct and Business Code of Ethics provide the framework for our corporate governance. Copies of our Bylaws, Committee Charters, Code of Conduct and Business Code of Ethics may be found on our website at www.SRAX.com under the tab Investors – Governance. Copies of these materials also are available without charge upon written request to our Corporate Secretary at 2629 Townsgate Road #215, Westlake Village, CA 91361.

Board of directors

The Board of Directors oversees our business affairs and monitors the performance of management. In accordance with our corporate governance principles, the board of directors does not involve itself in day-to-day operations. The directors keep themselves informed through discussions with the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer and by reading the reports and other materials that we send them and by participating in board of directors and committee meetings. Directors are elected for a term of one year. Our directors hold office until their successors have been elected and duly qualified unless the director resigns or by reason of death or other cause is unable to serve in the capacity of director. If any director resigns, dies or is otherwise unable to serve out his or her term, or if the Board increases the number of directors, the Board may fill any vacancy by a vote of a majority of the directors then in office, although less than a quorum exists. A director appointed to fill a vacancy shall serve for the unexpired term of his or her predecessor. Vacancies occurring by reason of the removal of directors without cause may only be filled by vote of the stockholders.

The Board currently holds regularly scheduled meetings and calls for special meetings or acts through unanimous written consents as necessary. Meetings of the Board may be held telephonically or via electronic video format. Directors are expected to attend all Board meetings and meetings of the committees of the Board on which they serve and to spend the time needed and meet as frequently as necessary to properly discharge their duties. Information with regard to committee meetings is provided for below. Although attendance of meetings is encouraged, we do not have a formal policy regarding attendance by directors at Board and committee meetings.

Board leadership structure and Board’s role in risk oversight

Mr. Miglino serves as both the Chairman of our Board of Directors and our Chief Executive Officer. We do not have a lead independent director. Given the small size of the Board and limited number of executive officers, the Board has determined that a lead independent director is currently not necessary.

Risk is inherent with every business, and how well a business manages risk can ultimately determine its success. We face a number of risks, including credit risk, liquidity risk, operational risk, strategic risk and reputation risk. Management is responsible for the day-to-day management of the risks we face, while the Board, as a whole and through its committees, has responsibility for the oversight of risk management. In its risk oversight role, the Board has the responsibility to satisfy itself that the risk management processes designed and implemented by management are adequate and functioning as designed. To do this, the Board meets regularly to review SRAX’s risks. Our Chief Financial Officer generally attends the Board meetings and is available to address any questions or concerns raised by any member of the Board on risk management and any other matter. The independent members of the Board work together to provide strong, independent oversight of our management and affairs through the Board’s standing committees and, when necessary, special meetings of independent directors. Our independent directors may meet at any time in their sole discretion without any other directors or representatives of management present. Each independent director has access to the members of our management team or other employees as well as full access to our books and records. We have no policy limiting, and exert no control over, meetings of our independent directors.

Board committees

The Board of Directors has standing Audit, Compensation, Compensation and Corporate Governance and Nominating committees. Each committee has a written charter. The charters are available on our website at www.SRAX.com. All committee members are independent directors. Information concerning the current membership and function of each committee is as follows:

Director		Audit Committee		Compensation Committee		Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee
Marc Savas				(1)
Colleen DiClaudio						(1)
Robert Jordan		(1)

Independence

Our Class A common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Global Market. As such, we are subject to the Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”) director independence standards. In accordance with these standards, in determining independence the Board affirmatively determines whether a director has a “material relationship” with SRAX that would compromise his or her independence from management or would cause him or her to fail to meet the Nasdaq’s specific independence criteria. When assessing the “materiality” of a director’s relationship with SRAX, the Board considers all relevant facts and circumstances, not merely from the director’s standpoint, but from that of the persons or organizations with which the director has an affiliation, and, where applicable, the frequency and regularity of the services, and whether the services are being carried out at arm’s length in the ordinary course of business. Material relationships can include commercial, consulting, charitable, familial and other relationships. A relationship is not material if, in the Board’s judgment, it is not inconsistent with the Nasdaq’s director independence standards and it does not compromise a director’s independence from management.

Applying the Nasdaq’s standards, the Board has determined that Messrs. Savas, Jordan, and Pierce, and Ms. DiClaudio are each “independent” as that term is defined by the Nasdaq’s independence standards.

Audit Committee

We have a designated audit committee in accordance with section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Exchange Act. The members of the Audit Committee are Robert Jordan (Chairperson), Colleen DiClaudio, and Marc Savas. The main function of our Audit Committee is to oversee our accounting and financial reporting processes. The Audit Committee assists the Board in fulfilling its oversight and monitoring responsibility of reviewing the financial information provided to shareholders and others, appoints SRAX’s independent registered public accounting firm, reviews the services performed by the independent registered public accounting firm and SRAX’s finance department, evaluates SRAX’s accounting policies and the system of internal controls established by management and the Board, reviews significant financial transactions, and oversees enterprise risk management.

The Board has determined that Robert Jordan qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert” within the meaning of SEC rules. An audit committee financial expert is a person who can demonstrate the following attributes: (1) an understanding of generally accepted accounting principles and financial statements; (2) the ability to assess the general application of such principles in connection with the accounting for estimates, accruals and reserves; (3) experience preparing, auditing, analyzing or evaluating financial statements that present a breadth and level of complexity of accounting issues that are generally comparable to the breadth and complexity of issues that can reasonably be expected to be raised by the Company’s financial statements, or experience actively supervising one or more persons engaged in such activities; (4) an understanding of internal controls and procedures for financial reporting; and (5) an understanding of audit committee functions. Mr. Jordan has also been determined to be “independent” by the Board as such term is defined in the NASDAQ listing standards. Additionally, Mr. Jordan meets the independence standards for audit committees under the NASDAQ rules.

Compensation Committee

The Compensation Committee assists the Board in:

The Compensation Committee is charged with ensuring that our compensation programs are competitive, designed to attract and retain highly qualified directors, officers and employees, encourage high performance, promote accountability and assure that employee interests are aligned with the interests of our stockholders. The Compensation Committee is composed of two directors, each of whom has been determined by the Board to be independent within the meaning of Rule 5605 of the Nasdaq Marketplace Rules.

Mr. Savas and Ms. DiClaudio are the current members of the Compensation Committee.

Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee

The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee:

The purpose of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee is to assess the performance of the Board and to make recommendations to the Board from time to time, or whenever it shall be called upon to do so, regarding nominees for the Board and to ensure our compliance with appropriate corporate governance policies and procedures. The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee is composed of two directors, each of whom has been determined by the Board to be independent within the meaning of Rule 5605 of the Nasdaq Marketplace Rules.

Mr. Savas and Ms. DiClaudio are the current members of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee.

Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports

Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires our officers, directors, and stockholders owning more than ten percent of our common stock, to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the SEC and to furnish us with copies of such reports. Based solely on our review of Form 3, 4 and 5’s, the following table provides information regarding any of the reports which were filed late during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021:

Say-on-Pay

At our 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on December 31, 2020, we submitted two proposals to our stockholders regarding our executive compensation practices.

The first was an advisory vote on the 2019 compensation awarded to our named executive officers (commonly known as a “say-on-pay” vote). At our 2020 annual meeting, excluding broker non-votes, approximately 2,925,180 shares cast votes with regard to the say-on-pay proposal. Of those, 2,827,179 or approximately 97%, of the shares approved the compensation of named executive officers. We believe that the outcome of our say-on-pay vote signals our stockholders’ support of our compensation approach, specifically our efforts to retain and motivate our named executive officers. In light of this stockholder support, the Compensation Committee determined not to change its approach to compensation. However, even though stockholders demonstrated overwhelming support for our compensation approach in 2020, the Compensation Committee annually reviews our compensation practices to determine how they might be improved. The Compensation Committee will continue to consider the outcome of say-on-pay votes when making future compensation decisions for our named executive officers.

The second proposal was a vote on the frequency of future stockholder advisory votes regarding compensation awarded to named executive officers (commonly known as a “say-when-on-pay” vote). The frequency of every three years received the highest number of votes cast. Upon review and in accordance with the foregoing results, our Board of Directors determined that we would hold our next say-on-pay vote in three years, at our 2023 Annual Meeting.

Summary Compensation Table

The following table summarizes all compensation recorded by us in each of the last two completed years ended December 31, for:

The value attributable to any option awards is computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. The assumptions made in the valuations of the option awards are included in Note 11 of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2021.

Employment agreements and how the executive’s compensation is determined

We are a party to an employment agreement with each of Messrs. Miglino, Malone, and Lahiji which provide the compensation arrangements with these individuals. The Company has not engaged a compensation consultant or other consultant performing similar functions to advise the Company on compensation arrangements for our executive officers. Notwithstanding, as described under the heading “Director Compensation”, the Company engaged a compensation consultant to advise on the Company’s non-employee director compensation policy.

Employment Agreement with Mr. Miglino

We employ Christopher Miglino as our Chief Executive Officer for a term of four years pursuant to an employment agreement entered into on January 1, 2012. The employment agreement automatically renews for successive two-year terms unless either party provides notice of non-renewal not later than three (3) months before the conclusion of the then current term. As compensation for his services, Mr. Miglino was initially entitled to receive a base salary of $192,000 which is subject to an annual review. Subsequent to several amendments, effective October 1, 2018, Mr. Miglino’s salary was increased to $340,000 per annum. In addition, he is eligible to receive an annual bonus based upon the achievement of certain to-be-established goals fixed by the Board, which is payable in cash or non-cash compensation as determined by the Board, as well as a discretionary bonus as determined by the Board. Mr. Miglino is entitled to participate in all benefit plans we may offer, up to 45 days of paid vacation annually and reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses incurred in furtherance of our business.

In addition to accrued obligations (including but not limited to, reimbursements, unpaid salary, unused vacation days, etc.), the following table sets forth the payments that would be made to Mr. Miglino in accordance with his employment agreement had he been terminated by us without cause or by Mr. Miglino for Good Reason, or termination as a result of disability on December 31, 2021.

Employment Agreement with Michael Malone

On December 15, 2018 we entered into an Employment Agreement with Mr. Malone pursuant to which he was engaged to serve as Chief Financial Officer to be effective January 2, 2019. Under the terms of the employment agreement, Mr. Malone’s compensation includes:

Mr. Malone is entitled to participate in all benefit programs we offer our other executive officers and expense reimbursement. The employment agreement with Mr. Malone contains customary confidentiality, non-disclosure and noninterference provisions.

The following table sets forth the payments that would be made to Mr. Malone in accordance with his employment agreement had he been terminated by us “without cause” on December 31, 2021.

Employment Agreement with Christopher. Lahiji

Effective September 16, 2020, we entered into an employment agreement with Christopher Lahiji pursuant to which he was engaged to serve as the president of LD Micro, Inc., our wholly owned subsidiary acquired in September 2020. Mr. Lahiji’s employment agreement is for a term of three (3) years. Under the terms of the employment agreement, Mr. Lahiji’s compensation includes:

Upon a termination of Mr. Lahiji’s employment, he will receive the following severance benefits as applicable:

Mr. Lahiji is entitled to participate in all benefit programs we offer our other executive officers and expense reimbursement. The employment agreement with Mr. Lahiji contains customary confidentiality, non-disclosure and noninterference provisions.

The following table sets forth the payments that would be made to Mr. Lahiji in accordance with his employment agreement had he been terminated by us “without cause” or by him for “good reason” on December 31, 2021.

Equity Compensation Plans

Our named executive officers participate in our equity compensation plans which are as follows:

2012 Equity Compensation Plan

Our 2012 Equity Compensation Plan (“2012 Plan”) was administered by our board or any of its committees. The purposes of the 2012 Plan were to attract and retain the best available personnel for positions of substantial responsibility, to provide additional incentive to Employees, Directors and Consultants, and to promote the success of our business. The issuance of awards under our 2012 Plan was at the discretion of the administrator, which has the authority to determine the persons to whom any awards were granted and the terms, conditions and restrictions applicable to any award. Under our 2012 Plan, we may grant stock options, restricted stock, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock units, performance units, performance shares and other stock-based awards. Our 2012 Plan authorized the issuance of up to 600,000 shares of Class A common stock for the foregoing awards. As of December 31, 2021, we have granted awards under the 2012 Plan equal to approximately 1,334,867 shares of our Class A common stock (with all issuances in excess of 600,000 occurring subsequent to cancellations or forfeitures of certain shares under the 2012 Plan), and 901,428 shares have been cancelled or forfeited. As of January 1, 2022, the 2012 Plan terminated pursuant to its terms.

2014 Equity Compensation Plan

Our 2014 Equity Compensation Plan (“2014 Plan”) is administered by our board or any of its committees. The purposes of the 2014 Plan are to attract and retain the best available personnel for positions of substantial responsibility, to provide additional incentive to Employees, Directors and Consultants, and to promote the success of our business. The issuance of awards under our 2014 Plan is at the discretion of the administrator, which has the authority to determine the persons to whom any awards shall be granted and the terms, conditions and restrictions applicable to any award. Under our 2014 Plan, we may grant stock options, restricted stock, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock units, performance units, performance shares and other stock-based awards. Our 2014 Plan authorizes the issuance of up to 1,600,000 shares of Class A common stock for the foregoing awards. As of December 31, 2021, we have granted awards under the 2014 Plan equal to approximately 1,672,694 shares of our Class A common stock (with all issuances in excess of 1,600,000 occurring subsequent to cancellations or forfeitures of certain shares under the 2014 Plan), and 335,733 shares have been cancelled or forfeited. Accordingly, there are 263,039 shares of Class A common stock available for future awards under the 2014 Plan. In the event of a change in control, awards under the 2014 Plan will become fully vested unless such awards are assumed or substituted by the successor corporation.

2016 Equity Compensation Plan

Our 2016 Equity Compensation Plan (“2016 Plan”) is administered by our board or any of its committees. The purposes of the 2016 Plan are to attract and retain the best available personnel for positions of substantial responsibility, to provide additional incentive to Employees, Directors and Consultants, and to promote the success of our business. The issuance of awards under our 2016 Plan is at the discretion of the administrator, which has the authority to determine the persons to whom any awards shall be granted and the terms, conditions and restrictions applicable to any award. Under our 2016 Plan, we may grant stock options, restricted stock, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock units, performance units, performance shares and other stock-based awards. Our 2016 Plan authorizes the issuance of up to 600,000 shares of Class A common stock for the foregoing awards. As of December 31, 2021, we have granted awards under the 2016 Plan equal to approximately 829,717 shares of our Class A common stock (with all issuances in excess of 600,000 occurring subsequent to cancellations or forfeitures of certain shares under the 2016 Plan), and 591,833 shares have been cancelled or forfeited. Accordingly, there are 362,116 shares of common stock available for future awards under the 2016 Plan. In the event of a change in control, awards under the 2016 Plan will become fully vested unless such awards are assumed or substituted by the successor corporation. Under the 2016 Plan, we made a conditional grant to our CFO that is subject to the approval of our shareholders to increase the number of shares issuable under the 2016 Plan.

Outstanding Equity Awards Value at Fiscal Year-End

The following table provides information concerning unexercised options, stock that has not vested and equity incentive plan awards for each named executive officer outstanding as of December 31, 2021.

DIRECTOR COMPENSATION 

Role of Compensation Consultant

The Compensation Committee is authorized to retain the services of one or more compensation advisors, as it sees fit, in connection with the oversight of our non-employee director and executive compensation program and related policies and practices. During 2021, the Compensation Committee retained Aon PLC (“Aon”), a compensation consulting firm with regard to our non-employee director compensation policy. Aon was engaged to provide the Compensation Committee with information, recommendations, and other advice relating to the non-employee director compensation policy only and not with regard to any executive compensation policies. Aon was directly engaged and served at the discretion of the Compensation Committee and provided no other services to the Company.

Current Director Compensation Policy

On October 29, 2021, the Company’s Compensation Committee amended the Company’s non-employee director compensation policy. Effective January 1, 2022, non-employee directors will be entitled to cash compensation of:

Cash compensation will be paid quarterly over the year.

In addition, each director will be entitled to receive an annual stock option grant equal to $100,000. The number of options will be determined using the Black Scholes option pricing model. The options will vest quarterly over the grant year and have a term of seven years.

Legacy Director Compensation Policy

Effective April 15, 2018 and up until December 31, 2021, each non-employee director received $30,000 as an annual board fee payable as follows:

Director Compensation for 2021

The following table provides information concerning the compensation paid to our non-executive directors for their services as members of our board of directors for the year ended December 31, 2021. The information in the following table excludes any reimbursement of out-of-pocket travel and lodging expenses which we may have paid.

The awards with respect to which values are provided under the column “Option Awards” below are exclusively stock options, which have realizable value only if they actually vest over time and to the extent, if any, that our stock price exceeds the applicable exercise prices. The values provided below for these awards are based on applicable accounting standards, and do not necessarily reflect the actual amounts realized or realizable pursuant to the underlying stock options.   

BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF SHARES OF CLASS A COMMON STOCK 

At August 31, 2022, we had 26,226,401 shares of Class A common stock issued and outstanding. The following table sets forth information known to us as of August 31, 2022 relating to the beneficial ownership of shares of our Class A common stock by:

Beneficial ownership is determined according to the rules of the SEC. Beneficial ownership means that a person has or shares voting or investment power of a security and includes any securities that person or group has the right to acquire within 60 days after the measurement date. This table is based on information supplied by officers, directors and principal shareholders. Except as otherwise indicated, we believe that each of the beneficial owners of the common stock listed below, based on the information such beneficial owner has given to us, has sole investment and voting power with respect to such beneficial owner’s shares, except where community property laws may apply.

EQUITY COMPENSATION INFORMATION

Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans

The following table sets forth securities authorized for issuance under any equity compensation plans approved by our shareholders as well as any equity compensation plans not approved by our stockholders as of December 31, 2021:

Related Party Transactions Procedure

We review all known relationships and transactions in which SRAX and our directors, executive officers, and significant stockholders or their immediate family members are participants to determine whether such persons have a direct or indirect interest. Our management, in consultation with our outside legal consultants, determines based on specific fact and circumstances whether SRAX or a related party has a direct or indirect interest in these transactions. In addition, our directors and executive officers are required to notify us of any potential related party transactions and provide us with the information regarding such transactions.

If it is determined that a transaction is a related party transaction, the Audit Committee must review the transaction and either approve or disapprove it. In determining whether to approve or ratify a transaction with a related party, the Audit Committee will take into account all of the relevant facts and circumstances available to it, including, among any other factors it deems appropriate:

Any member of the Audit Committee who is a related party with respect to a transaction under review may not participate in the deliberations or vote on the approval of the transaction.

Related Party Transactions

Summarized below are certain transactions and business relationships between SRAX and persons who are or were an executive officer, director or holder of more than five percent of any class of our securities since January 1, 2020.

Information regarding disclosure of an employment relationship or transaction involving an executive officer and any related compensation solely resulting from that employment relationship or transaction is included in the Section of this Annual Report entitled “Executive Compensation.”

Information regarding disclosure of compensation to a director for the year ended December 31, 2021 is included in the Section of this Annual Report entitled “Director Compensation.”

The following table summarizes the aggregate fees billed to us by our independent auditor for 2021 and 2020. All fees were paid to RBSM LLP.

Audit Fees — This category includes the audit of our annual financial statements, review of financial statements included in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and services that are normally provided by the independent registered public accounting firm in connection with engagements for those fiscal years. This category also includes advice on audit and accounting matters that arose during, or as a result of, the audit or the review of interim financial statements.

Audit-Related Fees — This category consists of assurance and related services by the independent registered public accounting firm that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of our financial statements and are not reported above under “Audit Fees.” The services for the fees disclosed under this category include consultation regarding our correspondence with the Securities and Exchange Commission and other accounting consulting.

Tax Fees — This category consists of professional services rendered by our independent registered public accounting firm for tax compliance and tax advice. The services for the fees disclosed under this category include tax return preparation and technical tax advice.

Pre-Approval of Independent Auditor Services and Fees

Our Board has adopted a procedure for pre-approval of all fees charged by our independent registered public accounting firm. Under the procedure, the Audit Committee of the Board approves the engagement letter with respect to audit, tax and review services. Other fees are subject to pre-approval by the Audit Committee. The audit and tax fees, and all other fees paid to the auditors with respect to 2021 were pre-approved by the Audit Committee. RBSM LLP did not provide any other services during 2021 except those listed above.

PART IV

Documents filed as part of this report: